KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15: The Ministry of Health is strengthening healthcare services in Kuwait by investing in the education and continuous training of physicians across all specialties, Dr. Abdullah Al-Fares, Assistant Undersecretary for Supporting Medical Services, said Thursday.

Speaking at the opening of the Kuwait Annual Orthopedic Surgery Conference on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Dr. Al-Fares said the initiative aims to achieve a qualitative leap in the quality of healthcare provided to citizens and residents.

He noted that rapid advancements in medical sciences have significantly impacted healthcare standards, particularly in surgical specialties. The conference features over 50 scientific lectures and multiple surgical training workshops, including one being held for the first time in Kuwait that focuses on anatomical training using human specimens, in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University.

Dr. Al-Fares highlighted efforts to enhance the efficiency of national medical personnel and improve healthcare quality. A memorandum of understanding will be signed with the International Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT), one of the largest global organizations in the field, to facilitate physician training at accredited centers and strengthen cooperation in scientific research.

He also noted that the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital has been recognized and accredited as a Center of Excellence for Orthopedic Surgery following a rigorous evaluation by a U.S.-based specialized body.

Dr. Al-Fares added that the number of robotic surgeries has exceeded 200 and that local physician training in this advanced technique has begun. The number of accredited training centers for Kuwaiti Board-certified orthopedic surgeons has also increased to five, up from one, with plans to expand the technology to additional hospitals.

He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to continuing medical education programs by hosting leading international experts and surgeons, which contributes to developing professional skills and raising medical performance levels. The conference workshops, he said, play a key role in enhancing practical application and transferring hands-on experience to participants.

Dr. Awad Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, noted that the three-day event is based on the belief that continuing education improves healthcare services and impacts medical specialties that enhance quality of life. The conference includes more than 55 scientific lectures, five surgical training workshops — including the anatomical training session — and a scientific poster competition with over 25 submissions from local and international researchers.

Participants will earn more than 20 accredited medical training hours, with the event also featuring a medical exhibition showcasing international and local companies.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Fares, Assistant Undersecretary for Supporting Medical Services at Kuwait’s Ministry of Health