publish time

05/06/2024

author name Arab Times

publish time

05/06/2024

Kuwait's Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi

KUWAIT CITY, June 5: In a significant development aimed at enhancing healthcare services, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi announced the establishment of a technical committee tasked with preparing a study to establish a specialized center for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) within the Al-Sabah Medical District. The center will also include a department dedicated to scientific research.

Minister Al-Awadhi announced this during a ceremony organized by the Kuwait Sclerosis Patients Association to mark World Syndrome Day, celebrated annually on May 30 under the theme "Our Life.. Light." He affirmed the Ministry of Health's unwavering commitment to assisting sclerosis patients, emphasizing the autoimmune nature of the condition, which affects the central nervous system.

Minister Al-Awadhi highlighted Kuwait's advanced healthcare infrastructure for treating MS and noted the presence of neurological clinics in all hospitals and the adoption of the latest treatment modalities. He stressed the ministry's dedication to meeting patients' needs and upholding the highest quality standards in service delivery.

Acknowledging the Kuwait Sclerosis Patients Association's role in raising awareness and supporting patients since its establishment in 2010, Minister Al-Awadhi praised the charitable contributions made by Kuwaiti citizens. He emphasized the importance of these donations in complementing the ministry's efforts to save lives and enhance patient care.

Yousef Al-Kandari, Chairman of the Kuwait Sclerosis Patients Association, commended the Ministry of Health's exemplary services for MS patients and expressed hope for the swift establishment of the specialized center. He lauded Minister Al-Awadhi's interest in the project, underscoring Kuwait's pioneering inclusion of neurosclerosis education in the national curriculum.

Dr. Raed Al-Roghani, a consultant specializing in nervous system diseases and MS, highlighted the prevalence of MS among young adults in Kuwait, with over three thousand cases reported, primarily affecting Kuwaiti nationals. He noted an annual increase in MS cases and highlighted Kuwait's comparatively high rates within the Middle East region.

Describing MS as a condition resulting from an autoimmune attack on myelin, Dr. Al-Roghani explained its debilitating symptoms, including vision problems, fatigue, and mobility issues. While there is currently no cure for MS, treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

With over 1.8 million individuals worldwide affected by MS, the establishment of a specialized center in Kuwait signifies a significant step towards addressing the needs of sclerosis patients and advancing healthcare infrastructure in the country.