Latest news with #Al-Bastaki
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait joins International Council for Harmonization as observer member
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health announced that Kuwait has officially joined the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) as an observer member, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country's pharmaceutical regulatory system. In a press statement issued on Monday, the ministry said the move aligns with Kuwait's strategic efforts to strengthen the efficiency of its drug regulation framework in accordance with the highest international standards and best practices. Dr Dina Al-Bastaki, Acting Director of the Drug Registration and Control Department at the Drug Control Sector, represented Kuwait at the ICH General Assembly. During the meeting, she delivered a speech outlining the key features of Kuwait's pharmaceutical regulatory system, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize the national legislative and oversight framework. Al-Bastaki emphasized that joining the ICH as an observer allows Kuwait to benefit directly from internationally endorsed technical guidelines related to the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines. It also provides an opportunity to participate in technical working groups tasked with developing regulatory guidelines. She noted that this step enhances the integration of Kuwait's national pharmaceutical policies with global regulatory systems and paves the way for broader cooperation with prominent international bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). Moreover, Al-Bastaki said the membership serves as a catalyst for developing a supportive regulatory environment for Kuwait's local pharmaceutical industry. It will help the sector keep pace with global standards, improve readiness to access international markets, and accelerate the availability of safe and effective medicines in the local market through the adoption of advanced scientific evaluation methods. This achievement, she added, reflects Kuwait's commitment to the goals of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, particularly in advancing the quality of healthcare and pharmaceutical services, and affirming the country's role in the global health and regulatory landscape. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to adopting international best practices in the regulation and assessment of pharmaceutical products. It also underscored its ongoing efforts to update national health policies in line with global scientific and technical developments, in support of a comprehensive, sustainable healthcare system that upholds human dignity and enhances quality of life. Headquartered in Geneva, the ICH is a global initiative that brings together regulatory authorities and industry experts from Europe, Japan, and the United States to discuss scientific and technical aspects related to pharmaceutical product registration. - KUNA
Arab Times
20-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait to host 9th International Conference on Genetic Diseases
KUWAIT CITY, April 20: Dr. Laila Al-Bastaki, Director of the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases (KCDC), announced that the 9th Kuwait International Conference on Genetic Diseases will begin on April 23. This prestigious event serves as a global platform, gathering top-tier experts in modern genetic medicine. Dr. Al-Bastaki, who is also the chairperson of the conference, explained in a press statement on Sunday that the two-day event will be held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. The conference will feature an elite group of local and international doctors and researchers specializing in genetic medicine. It is also sponsored by the Kuwait government. The conference will host distinguished lecturers and specialists from several countries to discuss the latest developments in genetic medicine. It aims to provide a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, raise questions, and foster innovation and scientific research in the field of genetic diseases. Dr. Al-Bastaki emphasized the significance of the conference in uniting scientific and research efforts to benefit patients. She also praised the strong support the center receives from the political leadership, particularly from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as the Ministry of Health. Since its establishment in 1979, the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases has been committed to offering comprehensive services for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic diseases. Notable achievements include the launch of the expanded genetic screening program for newborns, which has already screened over 55,000 infants. The center has also made strides in community prevention efforts, such as premarital screening programs, genetic mutation carrier screenings, and the application of advanced technologies like complete gene sequencing and personalized medicine.
