KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized that the Ministry of Health, with the support of Kuwait's wise leadership, is committed to providing the latest medical devices and advanced treatments. The ministry also focuses on developing medical personnel through continuous training and education programs.

Speaking at the opening of the first scientific conference of the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Adan Hospital on Saturday, Minister Al-Awadhi highlighted that the conference reflects the ministry's ambitious vision to enhance innovation and integration within the field of internal medicine. He also underscored the significance of this approach in strengthening cooperation with regional and international medical centers.

The minister described the conference as a "unique opportunity" to showcase the achievements of the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Adan Hospital over recent years. He noted that the department has seen "remarkable development" in delivering excellent healthcare services, including the creation of a one-day service for patients needing periodic blood transfusions and the publication of clinical research and guidelines that contribute to improving healthcare quality.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also pointed out that a special protocol had been developed to prevent venous thrombosis, reflecting the department's commitment to staying in line with international recommendations. These efforts, he stressed, highlight the ministry’s dedication to providing integrated and comprehensive care to patients.

He also noted that the department has established specialized medical units, such as the Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Unit and the Stroke Unit. In addition, multidisciplinary clinics, including the Movement Disorders Clinic, Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic, a clinic for the treatment of speech and swallowing disorders, and the Neurophysiology Clinic, have been opened.

The department has also made tangible progress in diagnosing mental illnesses and tuberculosis using advanced technologies like the MFBPER test. Furthermore, the diagnosis of lung tumors has been improved through bronchoscopy, and the department has embraced a full digital transformation for managing medical records. This includes booking appointments, reviewing X-rays and CT scans, and analyzing lab results, which helps accelerate service delivery and improve accuracy.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also mentioned the significant contributions of the Salman Al-Abdullah Al-Dubous Cardiac Center, which has served over one million people, particularly in the Ahmadi region. The center has performed approximately 2,000 cardiac catheterization operations using the latest international technologies, including ultrasound, aortic valve implantation via catheterization (a first in Kuwait), and the implantation of heart batteries using modern technology.

Dr. Khalil Al-Shuwaiker, Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Adan Hospital and Chairman of the Conference, also addressed the attendees. He described the conference as a "pioneering platform" for discussing the latest developments in internal medicine and exchanging experiences between global and local medical professionals.

Dr. Al-Shuwaiker explained that the conference takes place at a time when health challenges are intensifying worldwide. It not only highlights the latest research and innovations but also strengthens collaborative efforts in developing healthcare systems and providing high-quality services.

He added that the conference provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss global health challenges, and develop future strategies to improve healthcare quality. He emphasized that it serves as a vital scientific platform for sharing knowledge and the latest developments in internal medicine and for fostering cooperation among specialists, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare for patients.

Dr. Al-Shuwaiker also discussed the accomplishments of the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Adan Hospital, which include the establishment of a clinical hematology unit and the advancement of blood transfusion services and bone marrow biopsies. The department has also created specialized units for treating Parkinson’s disease and stroke within the Neurology Unit.

In addition, Dr. Al-Shuwaiker highlighted the opening of Kuwait's first internal obesity and weight diseases clinic and the enhancement of digestive system services, which included participation in the national campaign for early detection of colon cancer and organizing workshops in collaboration with international experts.

He further stated that the Salman Al-Dubous Center is one of Kuwait's leading medical centers, serving approximately one million people with a special focus on residents of the Ahmadi area. The center offers comprehensive services, including regular and complex catheterizations, structural catheterizations, cardiac electrophysiology, chronic heart muscle weakness treatments, and cardiac surgery.

Dr. Al-Shuwaiker noted that the center stands out for having all these specialties under one roof, which improves patient care and facilitates the provision of innovative services. These include primary catheterization for acute heart attacks, catheter-based aortic valve implantation (a first in Kuwait), and the successful double heart transplantation performed for the first time in the country.