KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23:  Maternal-fetal medicine is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, crucial for safeguarding mothers’ lives and ensuring healthy futures for children, Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi said Sunday.

Dr. Al-Awadhi made the remarks at the opening of the Second Gulf Conference on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, themed “Cooperation Among GCC Countries in the Field of Fetal Interventions,” attended by leading specialists from the GCC and beyond.

He described the conference as a vital scientific platform for exchanging knowledge and advancing medical practices, highlighting Kuwait’s recent achievements in maternal and child health. Notable milestones include the 2023 inauguration of Farwaniya Hospital with 192 obstetrics and gynecology beds and six operating rooms, the 2025 opening of the new Maternity Hospital with 789 beds, 59 delivery rooms, and 28 operating rooms, and the 2025 launch of the Maternity and Child Hospital in Ahmadi with 637 beds and 21 operating rooms.

Dr. Al-Awadhi noted that maternal-fetal medicine units at Maternity Hospital and Farwaniya Hospital provide comprehensive diagnostic services for over 4,800 pregnancies annually, reflecting the efficiency of Kuwait’s medical staff in managing high-risk cases according to international standards.

Dr. Amal Khader, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments and President of the Conference, said the scientific program covers the latest advances in fetal interventions and prenatal care, including genetic counseling, interpretation of genetic variations, prenatal diagnosis, early detection, fetal palliative care, family support, advanced fetal surgery, maternal mental health, fetal infections, preeclampsia management, fetal cardiac imaging, and ethical and legal considerations.

Khader emphasized that the conference integrates practical training alongside theoretical discussions. Three specialized workshops, including a session on simulation-based learning and summarization techniques, aim to establish high-quality medical education foundations and effective training environments.

She added that the workshops demonstrate the commitment of Kuwait and GCC medical teams to transferring advanced expertise to clinical practice, enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals, and improving the quality of maternal and fetal healthcare across the region.

Honoring the Minister of Health during the conference.