KUWAIT CITY, Nov 30: Dr. Abdul-Redha Ismail, Chairman of the Nuclear Medicine Departments Council at the Ministry of Health, emphasized Kuwait's significant progress in the field of nuclear medicine. He highlighted the introduction of the latest hybrid imaging devices, the first of their kind in the Gulf and Middle East, aimed at supporting the healthcare system in Kuwait.

This announcement was made during the opening of the workshop titled "Imaging Kidney and Urinary Tract Diseases in Nuclear Medicine," organized by the Ministry under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. The event was held in cooperation with both international and local experts specializing in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and related fields such as urology, tumors, and organ transplant surgery.

Dr. Ismail noted that the three integrated devices would make Kuwait the leading country in the Middle East in terms of the number of such equipment. He praised the capabilities and dedication of the medical staff in promoting these advanced services, bringing Kuwait’s healthcare services in line with international standards. He also commended the continuous support of Minister Dr. Al-Awadhi in developing this vital sector. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and global scientific developments in nuclear medicine, encouraging the sharing of experiences and fostering future collaborations.

Dr. Ismail further explained that the ministry has contributed significantly to expanding medical services by providing radioactive materials for treatment and diagnosis in all Kuwaiti hospitals. This initiative has helped improve patient care by facilitating precise disease diagnosis and determining the appropriate stages for surgical interventions in a safe manner.

He also assured that all nuclear medicine departments comply with international standards and safety protocols to protect both patients and workers in this field. The nuclear medicine departments handle over 10,000 cases annually, a number that continues to grow, especially with the addition of new examinations. Notably, the use of positron emission tomography combined with magnetic resonance imaging is already available at Jahra Hospital and will soon be offered at the new Farwaniya Hospital and the upcoming Kuwait Cancer Control Center.

Dr. Zeina Al-Banna, Vice President of the workshop, addressed the gathering, explaining that the workshop’s purpose was to enhance the Ministry of Health’s role in advancing healthcare services by adopting the latest nuclear medicine technologies. She noted that the event aimed to explore the latest developments in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging in Kuwait, with a focus on diagnosing kidney and urinary tract diseases. The workshop featured scientific sessions and interactive lectures to discuss these issues in depth.

Dr. Al-Banna highlighted that the workshop would cover global advancements in the use of nuclear medicine to diagnose obstructive urinary tract diseases and the role of artificial intelligence in these examinations. Additionally, the event would address the diagnosis of congenital defects in newborn patients and the radiation safety measures required for pediatric care.

The workshop also explored the role of nuclear medicine in kidney transplant cases and related complications, as well as the digital applications used to monitor kidney transplant patients. Dr. Al-Banna emphasized the rapid advancements in molecular imaging, particularly in diagnosing prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, and how this technology could improve diagnosis and treatment planning using radioactive isotopes.

Experts from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, specializing in nuclear medicine, kidney diseases, urinary tract diseases, and organ transplantation, presented and managed the scientific sessions. Their participation enriched the discussions and contributed valuable expertise to the event.

Dr. Al-Banna concluded by stating that hosting specialized scientific meetings like this one fosters knowledge-sharing and collaboration among doctors, ultimately ensuring better diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients. The one-day workshop was accredited by the Continuing Medical Education department of the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties.