KUWAIT CITY, July 28: Kuwait’s healthcare system continues to serve as a pioneering model in the Arab region, reflecting an ambitious vision that extends far beyond numbers and statistics. The country’s development in health services is rooted in strong infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and strategic planning guided by its political leadership, which has consistently placed public health at the forefront of national priorities.

From establishing cutting-edge medical facilities to enhancing human capital and international cooperation, Kuwait’s health sector is steadily evolving to meet global standards. This transformation is anchored in the goals of the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which identifies healthcare as a key pillar in achieving a better quality of life for current and future generations.

The Annual Development Plan for 2024/2025 includes 20 strategic projects dedicated to improving health outcomes, with participation from multiple government bodies. The plan allocates approximately KWD 140 million to these efforts, which encompass policies to improve youth health, bolster community well-being, modernize health information systems, and build the capacity of healthcare professionals.

Of the 20 projects, 13 are in the implementation phase, three are in the preparatory phase, two have reached the delivery stage, and two have been completed. Additionally, the plan targets healthcare system reform, enhanced insurance services, sustainable financing, and the eradication of health illiteracy.

The Ministry of Health, under its ambitious national strategy, continues to focus on upgrading infrastructure, raising the quality of care, and training local healthcare professionals.

Speaking to KUNA, Eng. Ibrahim Al-Naham, Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering and Projects Affairs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the ministry is committed to executing development projects in accordance with international standards.

One of the latest achievements is the new maternity hospital in the Al-Sabah Specialized Medical District, inaugurated in April. Designed with energy-efficient, green building specifications, the hospital provides comprehensive gynecological, obstetric, and neonatal care using the latest technologies. Staffed by qualified national professionals, the facility represents a blend of modern medical practice and compassionate care.

Eng. Al-Naham also highlighted four major healthcare projects underway:

In parallel with infrastructure development, Kuwait continues to build strategic health partnerships both locally and globally. Numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with local government entities to support the National Healthy Cities Strategy, which aims to promote healthy living and convert strategic plans into actionable community programs.

On the international front, Kuwait has hosted several meetings with ambassadors and representatives from European Union countries, aiming to learn from advanced European healthcare systems. These meetings have opened new avenues for knowledge exchange, medical training, and scientific research collaborations.

In a significant step forward, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi signed MoUs with five of the most prominent medical institutions in Paris this July, aimed at strengthening bilateral medical cooperation. These agreements mark a qualitative leap in Kuwait’s approach to enhancing healthcare through training and knowledge sharing with world-renowned institutions.

Kuwait’s long-standing cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to yield valuable initiatives. The opening of the WHO office in Kuwait four years ago solidified over 60 years of collaboration and underscored Kuwait’s global health engagement.

Launched nearly a decade ago, Kuwait’s Healthy Cities Initiative supports the country’s sustainable development goals. To date, 18 Kuwaiti cities have been registered in the program, with seven officially accredited by the Regional Network of Healthy Cities. Cities under the initiative have shown measurable improvement in over 80 indicators, covering health, environment, social inclusion, and community participation.

The WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office has repeatedly commended Kuwait for its leadership in fostering urban environments that are health-promoting, sustainable, and resilient.

At the heart of Kuwait’s healthcare vision lies its dedication to developing national medical talent. The government continues to sponsor students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad while also entering agreements with international and local institutions to enhance domestic healthcare education and training.

This investment in human capital has already paid dividends. Recently, nine advanced remote robotic surgeries were successfully performed in Kuwait, highlighting the technical proficiency of national medical professionals and the readiness of the local health system to embrace cutting-edge treatment methods.

Thanks to the steady expansion of hospitals, the introduction of advanced medical protocols, and the training of specialized staff, Kuwait has significantly reduced the number of patients referred for treatment abroad. The healthcare system now boasts a broader range of services capable of meeting complex medical needs locally.

Kuwait’s efficient and decisive response to the COVID-19 pandemic remains a standout achievement. The country was among the first to control the outbreak, implement effective containment measures, and roll out one of the highest vaccination rates globally. The government also executed the largest evacuation operation in its history, facilitating the return of citizens from 58 countries on 185 flights.

The WHO praised Kuwait’s response as highly effective, citing its rapid policy implementation, immunization success, and valuable regional contributions to the pandemic response.

Kuwait’s healthcare journey began in 1904 with the construction of the country’s first clinic. The first hospital followed in 1912, and the first private pharmacy was established in 1927. The Public Health Department was formed in 1936, leading to the opening of the first government clinic in 1939 and the issuance of the first regulatory health law in 1944.

The inauguration of Amiri Hospital in 1949, attended by the late Emir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marked a significant chapter in Kuwait’s modern healthcare history. The pace of public hospital construction accelerated during the 1960s, setting the stage for the comprehensive system that exists today.

More than a century later, Kuwait remains steadfast in its commitment to providing world-class healthcare. Through visionary planning, investment in infrastructure, development of human capital, and international collaboration, Kuwait is forging a resilient, innovative, and inclusive health system for generations to come.