KUWAIT CITY, Feb 1:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized the country's dedication to enhancing intensive care services, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing the healthcare system. Speaking at the opening of multiple conferences on critical care, he expressed that Kuwait will continue to be a leader in supporting scientific progress and creativity. He reaffirmed that Kuwait’s ambitious principles will guide its role as a beacon for the world.

The event, which marked the 20th International Conference of the Arab Society of Critical Care Medicine, the 1st Arab Conference of the World Federation of Intensive and Critical Care Societies, and the 16th Asian-African Conference of the same federation, also featured the 6th Regional Meeting of the Neurocritical Care Society, the 12th Intensive Care Society conference, and the 2nd Kuwait Conference on Extracorporeal Life Support.

Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed that the Ministry of Health is committed to supporting scientific progress. The return of the conference to Kuwait after a long absence is a testament to this commitment, as he praised the conference’s scientific themes. He asserted that innovation in critical care medicine is not optional but a responsibility, emphasizing the need for translating ideas into actionable products and recommendations to shape the future of healthcare.

He also highlighted the importance of investing in human capital, considering it a cornerstone of any modern health system that seeks sustainable development. Over recent years, significant progress has been made in critical care, which has substantially contributed to the improvement of global health systems. The Minister cited key achievements by national medical staff over the past five years, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, technology, diagnostics, treatment, and digital transformation, all aligned with ongoing government efforts to improve health services.

Following the opening, Dr. Al-Awadhi spoke to reporters, describing intensive care as a vital department in hospitals. He emphasized the importance of expanding this system beyond the hospital, starting with the Department of Medical Emergency and Air Ambulance services that transport patients from home to healthcare facilities. He underscored the need to invest in these critical areas, such as expanding health facilities and increasing the number of intensive care beds. The Ministry, he noted, already has a sufficient number of beds and continues to open new departments.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also discussed the importance of acquiring state-of-the-art medical devices, including extracorporeal life support technology, a field in which Kuwait has gained international recognition. He highlighted that the investment in local medical personnel is equally vital for continued progress.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Fares, Consultant of Internal Medicine and Intensive Care and Head of the Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Management at Amiri Hospital, as well as the Chairman of the Conference, also addressed the opening. He shared that the five-day conference, attended by over 1,800 participants and with more than 500 workshop attendees, will review the latest technological advancements in critical care.

Dr. Al-Fares expressed his desire to unify intensive care units across hospitals using a digital transformation-driven database, enabling the integration of information from various devices in critical care settings. He further emphasized that the conference aligns with the vision of Kuwait’s leadership by focusing on raising awareness and interest in intensive care services, positioning them as a backbone of the healthcare system.

The conference also aims to provide opportunities for continuing medical education in intensive care, offering the latest insights in healthcare provision, clinical practice, and medical research, ultimately improving work quality in the field.

In a statement to the press, Dr. Al-Fares revealed that during the conference, an agreement was signed between the Arab Critical Care Organization and the World Critical Care Organization to prepare for a joint conference, which will be held for the first time in Kuwait and will later move to other Arab countries.