KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized on Saturday that the Ministry of Health’s vision is focused on enhancing innovation and development, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and improving the quality of medical services in line with the latest clinical practices.

Speaking at the opening of the 20th Annual Surgeons Conference and the 9th Conference of the Kuwait General Surgery Association, Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the invaluable contribution of visiting doctors over the past years. He noted that these doctors have played a crucial role in treating patients and performing complex surgeries across various specialties.

These contributions have been facilitated through surgical training workshops targeting doctors in the Kuwaiti Surgical Program. Additionally, visiting surgeons have carried out specialized procedures, offering Kuwaiti doctors the opportunity to learn about advanced surgical techniques and even participate in surgeries under expert supervision.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry's support for the surgical specialty, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar in the medical field. He also emphasized the importance of staying updated with global developments and leveraging advanced technology. Dr. Al-Awadhi pointed to the Ministry’s focus on developing training programs for doctors within the General Surgery Specialization Program, as well as other specialized programs at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations.

As part of the conference’s effort to enhance the quality of surgical training, mock exams will be organized for fifth-year doctors. These exams will be supervised by visiting doctors and are designed to assess the capabilities of those enrolled in specialized programs while providing an opportunity to interact with examiners from prestigious international universities.

Dr. Al-Awadhi acknowledged the success of the conference in its previous sessions, which have significantly contributed to elevating health services in Kuwait. He also praised the conference for helping to build an integrated educational and training system in the surgical field, providing a much-needed break from the pressures of daily work.

The conference is hosting an elite group of consultant doctors from various medical and surgical specialties, representing top international universities and hospitals. Over the course of three days, the event will cover a wide range of topics, including obesity surgery, hernia surgeries, and colon and rectal surgery. Experts will share the latest research, experiences, and technological advancements in these fields.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also emphasized that the conference provides a distinguished platform to showcase the efficiency of Kuwaiti surgeons and the country’s strong scientific and medical capabilities. This has helped open new avenues for academic cooperation and scholarships. Furthermore, the conference has led to the establishment of a surgical encyclopedia, serving as a valuable scientific reference, and has supported neighboring countries in joining prestigious international medical associations. Additionally, the event offers medical students the chance to participate in both administrative and scientific work, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

US Ambassador to Kuwait, Karen Sasahara, also spoke at the conference, highlighting its importance in promoting medical education and strengthening cooperation between the United States and Kuwait in the field of surgery. She expressed pride in being part of this significant gathering, praising the strong partnership between the two nations in the healthcare sector. Ambassador Sasahara noted that American institutions have long been leaders in surgical innovation and clinical excellence, setting the standard for best practices in medicine.

She called for continued collaboration between healthcare professionals in Kuwait and US institutions, believing that this partnership will further enhance healthcare systems. She also reaffirmed the US Embassy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote excellence and innovation in Kuwait’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Musa Khorshid, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, concluded the speeches by emphasizing the significance of the topics discussed during the conference. He stated that the heart of medical practice lies in a deep commitment to patients and their well-being. Dr. Khorshid described the conference as an opportunity for purposeful conversations, experience sharing, and learning from one another to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and foster a culture of excellence in surgery.