KUWAIT CITY, Nov 5: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed Wednesday that the 47th Annual Conference on Otolaryngology (ENT) reflects Kuwait’s strong commitment to keeping pace with the latest global medical and surgical advancements and adopting innovative technologies that enhance the quality of healthcare services in line with the highest standards of safety and compassion.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, which runs until November 6, Dr. Al-Awadhi said the prominent scientific event brings together leading experts and specialists from Kuwait and abroad, serving as an important platform for interaction, experience-sharing, and knowledge exchange that fosters professional development and scientific collaboration.

He noted that this year’s conference features distinguished participation from Canada, Turkey, Russia, and several European, Gulf, and Arab countries. Kuwaiti doctors and specialists are also showcasing pioneering medical achievements and performing advanced surgeries in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery using state-of-the-art techniques.

Highlighting local achievements, Dr. Al-Awadhi pointed out that the Zain Specialized ENT Center has accomplished major milestones, including performing the first government hospital surgery in the Middle East to treat sleep-disordered breathing by implanting a smart chip that stimulates the 12th cranial nerve under the tongue — all conducted by Kuwaiti doctors.

He also noted the center’s success in conducting cochlear implant surgeries on infants as young as six and nine months who lost their hearing due to meningitis. Additional accomplishments include introducing the TRV device for treating motion sickness — the first of its kind in Kuwait — establishing an ENT clinic in the Sabah Al-Ahmad area operating twice weekly, and launching a specialized 24/7 emergency clinic in the Mutlaa area.

Dr. Al-Awadhi urged participants to make full use of the conference’s discussions and outcomes, applying the acquired knowledge and expertise in their respective medical institutions to help advance healthcare performance and achieve a qualitative leap in service quality.

For his part, Dr. Mutlaq Al-Sihan, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology and Chairman of the Conference, said the three-day event opened with discussions on the latest innovations in cosmetic and reconstructive head and neck surgeries. The second day will focus on advancements in microscopic ear surgeries, cochlear implants, and other implantable devices, while the final day will highlight new diagnostic and treatment methods for balance disorders.

Dr. Al-Sihan added that the conference features several specialized workshops on hearing, balance disorders, and speech difficulties, emphasizing the latest scientific research and global surgical techniques in these fields. It will also include major live surgeries in microscopic rhinoplasty and otoplasty, performed by visiting international consultants.

He expressed his appreciation to Minister Al-Awadhi for his patronage and continuous support in advancing medical services and improving Kuwait’s healthcare system, and thanked the organizing committee and sponsors for their efforts. He concluded by wishing all participants success in achieving the conference’s scientific objectives and a pleasant stay in Kuwait.

Participants at the 47th ENT Conference.