KUWAIT CITY, Feb 2: The Board of Trustees of Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) has allocated a budget of KD 4 million for the establishment of a unit for pancreas cells transplant and stem cell therapy, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting sources.

Sources asserted Kuwait will be the first country in the GCC and the Middle East to establish the unit; thereby, joining the ranks of most improved countries in the medical field.  Sources said the institute is currently coordinating with three international universities -Oxford, Minneapolis and Alberta - to complete the project which requires experts.  Sources affirmed that 500 surgeries will be conducted in a year upon completion of the project.

In a related development, sources revealed a national campaign will be launched soon to raise people’s awareness on the importance of organ donation and that it does not contradict religion.  Sources added the project will be completed if there are donors from Kuwait or the neighboring countries.