KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16: Under the patronage of the Minister of Health Dr Mohammed Al-Haifi, the Update & Controversy in Obstetrics & Gynecology conference was launched on Saturday morning.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr Mohammed Al-Haifi, as well as the Conference Chairman Dr Waleed Al-Jassar, with a keynote speech from Zaid Al-Refai, the first Arab to reach the summit of Mt Everest. Delegations of doctors and specialists from various countries arrived in Kuwait to attend the conference, which will take place over three days.

“The excellent organization of this conference, and the precision in choosing the academic papers, guests and speakers from fellow countries shows the recognition of the organizers as to the great challenges that healthcare faces in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as the future vision in evolving medical and technical apparatus and keeping up with international findings and modern diagnostic techniques” stated Dr Al-Haifi in his opening speech. The conference will discuss the latest developments in obstetrics and gynecology, and other issues in women’s health that affect childbearing and birth, as well as the various challenges faced in those areas. This includes but is not limited to tumors and women-related cancers, such as ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer, the latter of which has proven to be a significant problem.

Dr Waleed Al-Jassar continued, stating, “The State of Kuwait takes pride in the healthcare provided at the level of both nationally and internationally accredited standards. The provision of various services to maintain optimum maternal health during pregnancy has led to maintaining a low maternal mortality rate as represented by the latest WHO statistics.”

In addition, special guest Zaid Al-Rifai, renowned for being the first Arab to have scaled the summit of Mt. Everest in 2003, and having previously climbed many more, provided a special keynote speech on the occasion. He recounted his experiences and challenges on his journey to climb Mt. Everest, including the various dangers and brushes with death he faced.

“Climbing a mountain for me is just like conceiving, bearing and delivering a child, in a way. The process takes more than 9 months, depending on the nature of the mountain. Although pain comes in delivery while joy comes in summiting a mountain, the end result is all joy for both. Trying to reach a mountain on your own is a huge challenge,” he stated, pointing visible and invisible enemies involved in both processes of climbing a mountain and giving birth.

The opening ceremony was concluded with a presentation of honorary plaques to Dr Al-Haifi, Dr Al-Jassar and Al-Refai. In conjunction with the conference, Dr Al-Haifi also inaugurated an exhibition features stands from various specialized medical and pharmaceutical companies. The conference and exhibition are taking place in the Al-Raya Ballroom, by Marriott Courtyard, until February 18.