KUWAIT CITY, Nov 12: Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, on Wednesday affirmed that developing the country’s healthcare infrastructure is a fundamental pillar of the health renaissance and sustainable development, as the Ministry continues to expand the network of primary healthcare centers, considered the cornerstone of the national health system.

Dr. Al-Awadhi made the remarks during the opening of the 7th Kuwait Primary Healthcare Conference, held under the theme “Care for All: A Unified Approach to Primary Healthcare.” The three-day event is attended by specialists and experts from Kuwait and abroad.

The Minister said the number of primary healthcare centers in Kuwait has reached 118, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to expanding modern centers, particularly in new residential areas in Jahra, Ahmadi, and Farwaniya, to meet population growth and maintain high-quality healthcare services. He added that three health centers are currently undergoing comprehensive renovation, while three new centers — Jaber Al-Ahmad Health Center (Block 4), West Abdullah Al-Mubarak Health Center (Block 6), and Kabd Health Center — are slated to open soon, along with several others under construction and equipping.

Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed that rapid and effective emergency response remains a top priority. He noted that primary healthcare centers are equipped with modern emergency departments adhering to international medical standards, including Sabah Al-Ahmad C Center and Al-Mutlaa N10 Center, which feature CT scanners to provide wider and faster coverage.

The Minister said primary healthcare centers employ 1,887 physicians across various specialties, supported by over 7,000 nursing, technical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory staff, forming an integrated system to deliver health services. He added that the centers have recorded more than 16 million visits this year, reflecting citizens’ and residents’ confidence in Kuwait’s healthcare system.

Dr. Dina Al-Dhaib, Director of the Central Department of Primary Healthcare and Head of the Conference, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to develop a comprehensive scientific program, keeping pace with advancements in modern medicine and enhancing professional communication among healthcare practitioners through specialized workshops.

Dr. Al-Dhaib noted that primary healthcare services and specialized clinics have expanded significantly in recent years. Chronic disease clinics now number 133, mental health clinics 74, diabetes clinics 215, and retinal examination clinics 68, equipped with artificial intelligence technologies. Additionally, there are 95 diabetic foot clinics, 100 well-child and adolescent clinics, and 64 clinics for the elderly.

She emphasized that this expansion has been accompanied by continuous investment in training and qualifying medical personnel. Of the 1,887 physicians working in primary care centers, 472 are graduates of the Kuwaiti Board of Family Medicine, with plans to increase graduates to approximately 900 by 2030.

Dr. Al-Dhaib added that Kuwait is the first country in the Middle East to receive recognition from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for the Kuwaiti Board of Family Medicine, with 60 health centers accredited as approved training centers to date.