KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to advance emergency medicine, emphasizing the integration of the latest global systems and protocols into the country’s strategic plans, aimed at achieving the "New Kuwait 2035" vision. His remarks came during the opening of the two-day workshop titled Emergency Medicine in Wildlife, organized by the Ministry of Health and featuring leading experts from Kuwait, the United States, the UAE, and Oman.

In his speech, Dr. Al-Awadhi stated, “Today, we are marking a new chapter in environmental emergency medicine, a pioneering initiative that underscores Kuwait’s commitment to leveraging medical innovations and applying them in real-world settings.” He noted that the workshop is a groundbreaking effort in the Middle East, designed to expand emergency medicine beyond traditional hospital settings into the realm of wildlife, including both land and sea environments.

The workshop aims to foster collaboration and the exchange of expertise, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services in Kuwait. It also seeks to address the unique challenges of providing emergency care in wilderness settings, where injuries and accidents can occur during activities such as camping, hunting, and sea trips.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also touched on the development of the Medical Emergency Department, citing the recent opening of an emergency clinic on Umm Al-Maradim Island in August. The Ministry has been training doctors to handle emergency situations in unconventional settings, preparing them to deliver care tailored to the specific environmental challenges of each location.

In comments to reporters following the workshop’s opening, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the Ministry’s focus on attracting both local and international experts in environmental emergency medicine. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing national talent, expanding knowledge in this field, and providing training opportunities for medical professionals to enhance the country’s healthcare services. As part of the workshop’s practical training, participants will visit Umm Al-Maradim Island and the Al-Subiya desert on Friday, with members from the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard, and the Fire Department taking part in these field exercises to enhance the preparedness of medical teams.

Dr. Nawaf Al-Dahrab, Head of the Emergency Department at Al-Adan Hospital, Director of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Emergency Center, and workshop leader, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of this specialized field in both daily life and during exploratory activities in the natural world. He noted the numerous challenges faced in providing medical care in wildlife settings, including the difficulty of accessing medical resources in remote areas, as well as environmental and weather-related risks. He also highlighted the dangers of venomous bites from reptiles and marine hazards such as diving injuries and drowning.

Dr. Al-Dahrab stressed that emergency medicine has become a vital specialty in Kuwait, particularly as land and sea activities continue to rise, bringing with them unique risks and challenges. He emphasized the importance of preparedness and quick medical response to address these dangers effectively. He also pointed out that integrating emergency medicine with wildlife-related activities promotes innovation, enhances the ability to manage difficult circumstances, and improves the overall quality of healthcare services. (KUNA)