KUWAIT CITY, April 7: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi stated that Kuwait's medical system has seen significant progress in recent years, with a notable reduction in the number of cases sent abroad for treatment. This improvement is attributed to the introduction of modern treatments and the training of local medical personnel in the latest internationally approved treatment protocols.

Speaking at the opening of the Second Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Conference in Kuwait on Monday, Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted that the conference, organized by the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Children’s Hospital, serves as a prestigious platform for experts in this critical field.

Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that the conference aims to foster knowledge exchange and research on the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and childhood cancers, with a particular focus on central nervous system tumors, including brain and nerve cancers. He also noted the conference’s emphasis on lymphatic system tumors, such as lymphoma, one of the most common types of cancer among children, as well as advancements in diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic leukemia.

The minister discussed the recent innovations in cellular and molecular therapies, including targeted immunotherapy using antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy, which represent significant advances in treating malignant tumors and improving recovery prospects.

Dr. Al-Awadhi shared that recent local statistics from the Department of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology reveal approximately 120 childhood cancer cases are recorded annually in Kuwait, with 70 leukemia cases, 50 solid tumors, and 15 central nervous system tumors. These represent about 20 percent of the country’s total cancer cases. He expressed pride in the department’s pioneering work, particularly the introduction of immunotherapy, which has proven effective in treating nerve tumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and addressing complications from blood diseases. This progress has led to improved response rates, fewer complications, and lower mortality rates, enhancing hopes for a healthier future for Kuwaiti children.

In an interview with reporters, Dr. Al-Awadhi praised the ministry’s full commitment to meeting the treatment needs of citizens and residents, emphasizing that the government spares no effort to ensure the availability of medications, regardless of cost. He also highlighted the ministry’s plans to expand healthcare services and infrastructure, including the upcoming opening of maternity hospitals in the Al-Sabah Health District, a motherhood and childhood hospital in Adan, and a communicable diseases hospital. Additionally, a new emergency center in Al-Mutlaa and the Al-Wafra Specialized Clinic will open next week.

Dr. Sondos Al-Sharida, Head of the Hematology, Pediatric Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation Department at the National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Children’s Hospital, and President of the Kuwait Children’s Association, delivered a speech during the conference, underscoring the humanitarian and moral commitment to children facing significant health challenges. She provided an overview of the department’s operations, noting that the department has 64 beds, with a daycare ward comprising 12 beds. The department handles 1,154 annual admissions, 6,143 daycare admissions, and 3,588 emergency department cases. In addition, there are 5,554 outpatient clinic visits, 3,427 chemotherapy treatments, 450 therapeutic phlebotomy cases, and 750 surgical operations annually.

Dr. Al-Sharida explained that the effectiveness of the current treatment system is reflected in the reduced length of hospital stays, which supports the quality of life for patients. She highlighted that the conference will cover both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, with an emphasis on neurological tumors and other complex cases, as well as recent developments in blood cancer treatments.

She also emphasized that the conference would showcase scientific workshops on the latest innovations in immunotherapies, therapeutic strategies for lymphomas, and how to manage their complications. Dr. Al-Sharida expressed hope that the conference would enhance medical skills and equip specialized personnel to keep pace with global advancements, ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of medical services in Kuwait.