Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi in a group photo during the opening of the Kuwaiti Thoracic Surgery Association Conference on Saturday.

He pointed that the COVID-19 pandemic proved the importance of the respiratory system and its related medical and surgical specializations, highlighting the necessity of supporting these vital areas within a comprehensive health vision that keeps pace with scientific and technological developments and contributes to enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens and residents. He clarified that the Ministry of Health puts emphasis on strengthening health infrastructure, developing national competencies, and improving continuing medical education programs, alongside expanding specialized medical fields. He also referred to the notable progress achieved in respiratory and chest diseases, including advancements in sleep medicine, establishment of specialized centers equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, and wider use of advanced endoscopic procedures.

On thoracic surgery, the minister affirmed that Kuwait has recorded remarkable achievements at the regional level, including the performance of advanced and unique surgical procedures and the introduction of modern robotic surgeries, which helped improve treatment results and shorten recovery periods. He asserted that this progress is consistent with global trends toward minimally invasive and highly precise surgical techniques, in addition to the development of the chest unit into an integrated thoracic surgery department. In the field of prevention and early detection, he stated that the ministry is implementing a lung cancer screening program targeting high-risk groups, based on scientific evidence and international guidelines. He said this initiative strengthens early detection and enhances treatment outcomes, indicating the ministry is also working on the development of specialized clinics, such as those for pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung diseases and severe asthma, through a multidisciplinary team-based approach.

He emphasized that the achievements realized in this sector are the result of close integration between health, educational and research institutions, as well as the efforts of qualified national professionals. He affirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for specialized scientific conferences, given their important role in raising scientific and professional standards and reinforcing Kuwait’s status as a regional hub for specialized medical fields. He is hoping for the success of the conference, with the participation of prominent Gulf and international experts from Europe and North America. He added that such participation will help enrich scientific discussion, encourage the exchange of expertise, and support the continuous advancement of healthcare services.