KUWAIT CITY, Feb 14: On Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, marked a significant milestone by inaugurating a new fleet of ambulances at the Ministry's Transportation Department. The fleet comprises 79 fully equipped vehicles, all serving as comprehensive intensive care units, with an additional 10 ambulances specifically designed to navigate rugged terrain.

In his address during the inauguration ceremony, Minister Al-Awadhi expressed his satisfaction at the deployment of these ambulances, emphasizing their crucial role in bolstering the emergency response system to serve patients effectively. He highlighted that the designated crews have undergone specialized training to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these vehicles.

Dr. Al-Awadhi announced plans to introduce another 100 ambulances later this year, citing their status as the most modern and advanced vehicles equipped with the latest electronic connectivity technology. This initiative underscores Kuwait's commitment to modernizing its healthcare infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.

Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering Affairs at the Ministry, Ibrahim Al-Naham, underscored the collaborative efforts between the Departments of Transport and Medical Emergency in procuring and implementing the ambulances. Al-Naham emphasized that the vehicles, sourced from the United States, adhere to the highest specifications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, Director of the Medical Emergency Department, described the inauguration as a historic milestone in the department's journey. With the addition of these ambulances, Kuwait's fleet now totals 281 vehicles. Al-Shatti emphasized the department's commitment to achieving rapid response times, aiming for an average arrival time of seven minutes following notification.

Praising the support and coordination from Minister Al-Awadhi and Acting Undersecretary Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, Al-Shatti highlighted the deployment of cutting-edge equipment and technology in the ambulances. He emphasized digitization and camera system integration, facilitating communication and intervention during emergency incidents.

In a parallel context, Dr. Al-Shatti announced the upcoming conference on Emergency Medical Services, scheduled for February 18 under the patronage of Minister Al-Awadhi. The conference aims to foster knowledge exchange and skill development among medical professionals, with a focus on advancements in ambulance and emergency medicine.

Abdullah Sanad, Head of the Operations Department at the Medical Emergency Department, emphasized the role of these ambulances in catering to Kuwait's geographical expansion and serving patients efficiently. Sanad highlighted the vehicles' advanced medical equipment and external sensors capable of navigating even the narrowest spaces.

The integration of these ambulances marks a significant step forward in Kuwait's emergency medical services, aligning with the nation's development plan and government directives. The Ministry of Health remains committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure to better serve the citizens of Kuwait.