Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Sanad
Arab Times
31-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Protecting trafficking victims a national and moral responsibility: MoH
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MoH) reaffirmed on Wednesday its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, protecting its victims, and providing them with comprehensive health care services, as part of the State's broader national efforts. The Ministry's spokesperson, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, made the statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on July 30. Dr. Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry's role in addressing this issue stems from 'an integrated humanitarian and professional system that encompasses prevention, monitoring, and rehabilitation.' He added, 'Protecting the victim begins from the moment they enter a health facility and continues until they are able to live again in safety and dignity.' The Ministry provides free, comprehensive health services to all victims without discrimination. These include emergency care, ambulance services, full treatment for medically and legally significant cases, and various preventive vaccinations. All services are delivered with strict professional confidentiality and respect for the victims' privacy. Emergency and accident departments at government hospitals are equipped with immediate reporting protocols, ensuring prompt coordination with the relevant authorities in cases of suspected violence or exploitation involving children, adults, or the elderly. Security checkpoints and specialized investigators are stationed in hospitals around the clock to ensure rapid and professional intervention. In such cases, the Ministry also provides legally compliant medical documentation to aid investigations. Highlighting the importance of psychological and social support, Al-Sanad noted that the Ministry deploys specialized teams of psychologists and social workers to shelters to assist victims in overcoming trauma and regaining emotional and social stability, preparing them for reintegration into society. The Ministry has also taken steps to train and qualify healthcare professionals across hospitals and primary care centers to identify and respond to cases of human trafficking. These professionals receive targeted training on the legal and ethical procedures required to handle such cases with sensitivity and responsibility. Al-Sanad stressed that the Ministry views its role in combating human trafficking not only as a medical duty but also as a national and moral obligation. He underscored the importance of community awareness, stating that the Ministry organizes workshops, public awareness campaigns, and commemorates the World Day annually to promote a culture of protection, prevention, and vigilance. He further emphasized that 'the State of Kuwait, under its wise leadership and with the cooperation of its institutions, places human dignity and protection at the core of its priorities,' adding that the Ministry is fully mobilized to safeguard lives, restore victims' confidence, and enable them to live safely. In 2018, Kuwait established the National Committee for the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, aiming to create a society free from trafficking and smuggling, and committed to raising public awareness of the dangers of these crimes. The United Nations General Assembly has designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, to raise awareness of human trafficking, highlight the plight of victims, and advocate for the protection of their rights.
Arab Times
24-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait advances healthcare with global expertise and cutting-edge technology
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: Kuwait is pressing ahead with a wide-ranging transformation of its healthcare sector, with a focus on adopting global medical expertise, enhancing emergency response systems, and expanding digital and preventive care services, according to Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Government Communication Center, Dr. Al-Sanad outlined the ministry's efforts to elevate Kuwait's healthcare standards through a multi-faceted approach that includes specialized infrastructure, international collaboration, and a strong push for digitalization. At the core of this strategy is the establishment of specialized medical zones across Kuwait. Among the most significant projects is the new Al-Adan Hospital, comprising nine interconnected buildings aimed at delivering comprehensive services to citizens in the surrounding area. Similar integrated health zones have been established in Al-Ahmadi and Al-Sabah, designed to provide secondary and specialized care within easy geographic reach. New facilities such as the Mutlaa Emergency Center, Infectious Diseases Hospital, and Kuwait Cancer Control Center are also being launched, while the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has been relocated from Al-Adan Hospital to the Maternity and Childhood Hospital, improving focus and care delivery. Among the notable advancements is the First Responder Project, introduced earlier this month. The initiative features 28 mobile medical units dedicated to delivering rapid response care in emergencies. In its inaugural week, the units responded to 70 cases, demonstrating their potential to strengthen Kuwait's emergency care framework. In a similar vein, the ministry has installed 20 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at Kuwait International Airport to improve outcomes for cardiac arrest victims. To ensure proper use, specialized training has been launched for airport staff in cooperation with relevant authorities. To strengthen domestic medical capacity, the ministry has hosted 140 visiting doctors from around the world, offering advanced treatments and knowledge exchange with Kuwaiti healthcare providers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate international standards into Kuwait's medical system while training national cadres. In diagnostic services, a newly inaugurated MRI wing at Al-Razi Hospital has doubled both imaging equipment and patient throughput. Simultaneously, a new border medical center in Nuwaiseeb, along with 13 health centers across all Kuwaiti border crossings, have been launched to ensure accessible care for travelers and residents at key entry points. Kuwaiti emergency departments recorded 200,000 cases in January alone, reflecting the scale of services provided nationwide. Across the country, there are 117 primary healthcare centers, 30% of which operate 24/7. Additional facilities include 38 maternity clinics, 72 mental health clinics, 35 preventive health centers, 20 ophthalmology clinics, and 18 ENT clinics. In the first half of 2025, 86,860 emergency cases were handled, with 72,236 patients transported via ambulance. These included over 50,000 urgent and nearly 22,000 non-urgent cases, along with 5,068 traffic accident responses, 420 airlifts, and 35 medical evacuations. Dr. Al-Sanad noted a decline in road accidents following the implementation of the new traffic law in May, with 357 fewer reports over two months. The ministry is also accelerating its digital transformation. Through the 'Sahel' application, 23 health services have been made available, with 338,844 users benefiting during the first half of the year. Since October 2023, 3.9 million electronic patient visits have been recorded. This transition has eased pressure on health centers, reducing visits from 15.5 million in 2022 to 13.2 million in 2024. Preventive health services are expanding as well. Early breast cancer screening saw 4,275 applicants in the first half of 2025, up from 1,114 in 2023 and 8,141 in 2024, for a total of 13,530 screenings to date. Meanwhile, 872 bedridden patients have received care through the ministry's home visit program, with plans underway to launch similar services tailored to children. In conclusion, Dr. Al-Sanad emphasized the ministry's ongoing commitment to comprehensive and forward-looking healthcare reform. Through strategic partnerships, smart infrastructure, and digital innovation, Kuwait is steadily building a more responsive and inclusive national health system.
Kuwait Times
23-07-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
MoH highlights achievements, digital services
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres, said ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference held at the Government Communication Center, Dr Al-Sanad reviewed the ministry's latest projects and achievements, including digital service enhancements and expansions in medical infrastructure across Kuwait. He noted that several major projects are already operational or set to open soon, including the Al-Mutlaa Emergency Center, the Infectious Diseases Hospital and the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has also been relocated from Al-Adan Hospital to the newly established Maternity and Childhood Hospital. Al-Sanad highlighted progress on the new Al-Adan Hospital project, comprising nine buildings providing various healthcare services. He elaborated on the ministry's ongoing approach of developing specialized medical cities, such as the Ahmadi and Al-Sabah medical zones, which aim to offer integrated care through clusters of specialized hospitals within specific geographic areas, minimizing patient travel and enhancing healthcare accessibility. Among other key initiatives, Al-Sanad announced the launch of the First Responder Project on July 10. The project features 28 medical units that handled 70 emergency cases during their first week of operation. He described the project as a significant upgrade to Kuwait's emergency response system and a step toward improving response times and care quality. The Visiting Doctors Program continues to expand, with 140 specialists visiting Kuwait to offer high-level medical care and contribute to training local staff. This initiative reflects the ministry's strategy of leveraging international medical expertise while enhancing local capabilities. KUWAIT: Medical experts and participants are pictured during the press conference. Ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the Ministry of Health is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres. – KUNA Further developments include the inauguration of a new MRI wing at Al-Razi Hospital, which doubled diagnostic capacity, and the opening of a medical center at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing. Al-Sanad added that 13 specialized health centers have been established at all border points, and 20 defibrillator devices have been installed at Kuwait International Airport to improve emergency response times for cardiac arrest cases. To support this initiative, a training program has been launched in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure airport staff can effectively use the devices. The ministry's emergency departments handled around 200,000 cases in January 2025 alone, Al-Sanad said, noting that 117 primary care centers operate across the country. Of these, 30 percent are open 24/7, 30 percent operate until midnight on weekdays, 9 percent until midnight daily, and 28 percent close at 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday. In terms of outpatient services, Kuwait currently operates 38 maternity and childhood clinics, 72 mental health clinics, 35 preventive health centers, 20 ophthalmology clinics, and 18 ENT clinics. Emergency medical services responded to 86,860 urgent and non-urgent cases in the first half of 2025. Ambulances transported 72,236 patients, including 50,301 urgent cases, 21,935 non-urgent cases, 5,068 traffic accident victims, and 420 airlifted patients. Another 35 patients were transferred via medical evacuation, and 196 cases were handled at border crossings. Traffic accident reports have also shown a decline since the implementation of the new traffic law in May. The ministry recorded 902 accident cases in January, 903 in February, 908 in March, 889 in April, 753 in May and 701 in June — a reduction of 357 cases in two months. On the digital transformation front, Dr Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry is advancing its digital services to streamline healthcare access and reduce patient load at clinics. He said 23 services are now available on the government's 'Sahel' app, benefitting over 338,000 users during the first half of 2025. Since the launch of the ministry's electronic 'Patient' system in October 2023, more than 3.9 million users have accessed digital health services. This shift has helped decrease visits to primary health centers from over 15.5 million in 2022 to 13.2 million in 2024. Efforts in early disease detection are also expanding, with 13,530 women undergoing breast cancer screening since 2023. The number of applicants for early detection reached 1,114 in 2023, 8,141 in 2024, and 4,275 during the first half of this year. The home care program for bedridden patients also continues to grow, with 872 patients receiving care in the first half of 2025. Al-Sanad revealed plans to soon launch home care services for bedridden children as part of ongoing efforts to expand comprehensive healthcare delivery. — KUNA
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait achieves seventh successful heart transplant at Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: The Ministry of Health announced the successful completion of Kuwait's seventh heart transplant at the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center. The procedure was led by Professor Riyadh Al-Tarzi, marking another significant milestone in the nation's advancements in organ transplantation. Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the Ministry's spokesperson, emphasized that this achievement underscores Kuwait's leadership in the field of organ transplantation and complex cardiac surgeries. He highlighted that the operation was performed with exceptional national efficiency at the Salman Al-Dabbous Center, which has become a cornerstone of Kuwait's journey toward medical excellence. The recipient, a university student suffering from acute heart failure, is currently on the path to full recovery. This operation was conducted as part of Kuwait's national organ transplant program, coordinated with the organ provision program to ensure the availability of suitable donors. The success of this transplant further solidifies Kuwait's position as a leader in the Arab world for organ donation and transplantation, reflecting the country's commitment to advancing healthcare and saving lives through innovative medical procedures.
Arab Times
15-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
MoH launches specialized training to boost nursing skills in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, April 15: The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced on Monday the launch of 11 specialized and general training programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency and skills of nursing cadres. The programs, which will run from April to November, are part of the ministry's strategic plan to strengthen healthcare services across the country. In a press statement, MoH Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the training programs are being held in collaboration with regional and international organizations. He emphasized that this initiative reflects the ministry's ongoing commitment to developing healthcare professionals and improving the overall quality of services provided to the public. Dr. Al-Sanad noted that the training aims to enhance clinical competencies and raise the professional standards of nursing staff, thereby contributing to better healthcare outcomes in Kuwait. He stressed that investing in human resources remains a cornerstone of the Ministry of Health's policy. Nursing staff, he said, form a critical pillar of the healthcare system due to their central role in delivering comprehensive and safe care at all levels of service. These programs, Dr. Al-Sanad explained, are designed to align with the latest scientific standards through continuous education and cooperation with reputable institutions and universities. Adding to this, the Director of Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Iman Al-Awadhi, stated in a similar announcement that the programs include nursing staff from various hospitals and primary healthcare centers. They are organized in collaboration with regional health institutions and internationally recognized universities. The training will cover multiple specialties, including emergency care, mental health, maternal health, cardiac care, dialysis, as well as nursing leadership and management. Dr. Al-Awadhi also announced the launch of a specialized two-week course titled 'Care of Premature and Newborn Babies,' which began on Monday with the participation of 30 nurses from neonatal care units. The course coincides with the opening of the new maternity hospital and is part of a series of training programs conducted under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and the Oman College of Health Sciences. She explained that the course aims to strengthen the foundations of neonatal nursing care, focusing on clinical and technical skills, including emergency response, essential therapeutic interventions, and precise care for premature infants in accordance with the latest medical practices.
