KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: Kuwait's Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, announced on Monday that significant advancements in the country’s healthcare sector, including the integration of modern medical technologies and the expansion of hospital facilities, have led to a decrease in the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by "hundreds." He added that efforts are underway to open more than three hospitals in the near future.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Second Kuwait Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Robotic Surgeries, Minister Al-Awadhi stated, “The Ministry has begun the initial operation of the new maternity hospital and is working towards the opening of the Infectious Diseases Hospital and the Al-Adan Hospital for Women, Childbirth, and Children. These facilities will feature over 28 operating rooms.” Additionally, the Chest Hospital and primary healthcare centers are undergoing significant expansions.

Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted progress in digitizing healthcare services, stating that the Ministry of Health commenced a digital transformation initiative two weeks ago. The effort, now in its final stages, aims to convert all correspondence and communication within the healthcare sector, hospitals, and health centers to electronic systems for the first time. This transformation is expected to reduce expenses and prevent waste.

On the use of surgical robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in Kuwait’s healthcare sector, the minister revealed the deployment of six specialized robotic devices, with plans to acquire more. Each device costs approximately one million Kuwaiti dinars (USD 3.255 million), underscoring the government's commitment to advancing healthcare technologies for the benefit of its citizens.

He further noted that approximately 20 Kuwaiti doctors currently utilize surgical robots and AI in delicate procedures, particularly in urology. These advanced technologies have significantly improved treatment outcomes and reduced complications compared to traditional methods. They have proven effective in treating both benign and malignant tumors by offering greater precision, flexibility, and shorter recovery times.

During the conference, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the Ministry’s strategic vision to integrate cutting-edge global medical advancements, including AI and robotic technologies, to enhance the quality of healthcare services and ensure patient safety and comfort. He also expressed pride in the achievements of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center, which adopted the Da Vinci Surgical System in 2013 and has successfully completed over 1,600 complex surgeries by 2022.

Conference Chairman and President of the Kuwait Surgeons Association, Dr. Shahab Akrouf, described the event as a landmark in Kuwait’s journey towards adopting modern medical technologies. He noted that Kuwait was among the pioneering countries to introduce robotic surgery, with the first device installed at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Kidney and Urology in 2017. Since then, robotic surgery has expanded across various specialties, achieving unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.

Dr. Saad Al-Dosari, President of the Kuwait Association of Robotic Surgeons, added that the conference brings together experts from Kuwait and abroad to share their experiences in AI and robotic surgery. This collaboration reflects Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to advancing surgical practices and leveraging the latest technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Al-Dosari also highlighted the advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, including 3D magnified vision, articulated tools with wrist-like motion, stabilization of hand tremors, a short learning curve, and the potential for remote surgeries.

The two-day conference aims to evaluate modern medical technology, analyze current data, and envision future advancements to further enhance Kuwait's healthcare system.