KUWAIT CITY, Sept 3: On Monday, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi officially opened the Chronic Respiratory Unit for children at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Hospital, accompanied by Undersecretary of the Ministry Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. In his statement following the inauguration, Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the significance of the new unit, emphasizing its role in advancing pediatric healthcare. He noted that this addition reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing top-tier care for children with chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that this initiative aligns with the Ministry's strategic goals of delivering comprehensive and high-quality healthcare to all Kuwait residents and enhancing medical services through modern treatments and technologies.

Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Jaber Hospital and Consultant in Pediatric Respiratory Diseases, Sleep Disorders, and Chronic Respiratory Diseases, also commented on the inauguration. She described the unit as a significant advancement in healthcare, designed to offer integrated and thorough care for children with breathing difficulties stemming from various causes such as muscle weakness, respiratory control center dysfunctions, chronic lung diseases, or sleep-related suffocation.

Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi added that the unit provides specialized care for children dependent on mechanical ventilators, whether through tracheostomy or positive airway pressure devices, aimed at improving their quality of life. She noted that studies show long-term use of ventilators can enhance daily activity performance and potentially increase life expectancy based on the child's health status.

The unit features five rooms equipped with advanced technology, including a dedicated room for critical cases. It provides collaborative care involving specialties like intensive care and general pediatrics. Additionally, the medical team is committed to training families on home care, including operating ventilation devices, managing daily tracheal care, and handling emergencies to ensure ongoing safe care post-discharge.