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Time of India
28-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'World-class care, at home': Kuwait seals landmark collaboration with five elite French hospitals in Paris
TL;DR: Kuwait 's Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Al‑Awadhi, signed memoranda of understanding on July 18, 2025 with five elite French medical institutions. Participating organizations: Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie , Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris , and Rothschild Foundation Hospital. The MoUs enable specialist consultations, telemedicine, international fellowships, on-shore training, and joint clinical research in key areas: oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, and diagnostics. Patient benefits include access to world-class expertise without overseas travel; health professionals gain advanced training through international exchange programs. On July 18, 2025, Kuwait's Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Al‑Awadhi, formalized a series of strategic memoranda of understanding with five premier French medical institutions during a ceremony in Paris as reported by KUNA. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move marks a new chapter in Kuwait's healthcare collaboration with France, aimed at advancing medical expertise, expanding training opportunities for Kuwaiti professionals, and enhancing patient access to world‑class care through remote and local channels. The agreements were executed in alignment with Kuwait's leadership vision, as expressed by Amir Sheikh Meshal Al‑Ahmad Al‑Jaber Al‑Sabah. A Strategic Vision Rooted in National Development The MoUs reflect a broader vision championed byAmir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasizing international partnerships to uplift Kuwait's healthcare quality and self-reliance. According to Dr Al-Awadhi, this move represents a 'new beginning' in bilateral cooperation that will not only strengthen patient care infrastructure but also position Kuwait as a regional hub for specialized medical services. By aligning Kuwait's healthcare goals with the expertise of global leaders in medicine, the Ministry aims to expand local treatment capabilities, particularly in oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, and complex diagnostics—while also improving knowledge exchange mechanisms through fellowships and dual training programs. Top-Tier French Institutions on Board The five French entities involved include: Almaviva Santé: a leading private hospital group across France, known for surgical excellence. Institut Curie: globally recognized for cutting-edge oncological research and treatment. Hôpital Foch: a pioneer in organ transplantation and thoracic surgery. Institut Mutualiste Montsouris: acclaimed for high-precision cardiology and urology services. Rothschild Foundation Hospital: a Paris-based reference center in neurology and ophthalmology. Each institution brings decades of proven expertise and world-class infrastructure to the collaboration. These partnerships aim to offer Kuwaiti patients specialist tele-consultations, expert second opinions, and remote care options, all within Kuwait's borders, reducing travel costs and patient fatigue. What the Agreements Cover: From Training to Telemedicine The MoUs are multifaceted in scope and tailored to address both clinical and capacity-building needs in Kuwait's healthcare ecosystem. Among the key pillars: Specialist Telemedicine Services French physicians will provide virtual consultations for complex cases, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and offering patients access to second opinions from leading European experts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This reduces Kuwait's reliance on outbound medical travel while maintaining high standards of care. Physician Training & Clinical Fellowships Healthcare professionals from Kuwait will benefit from structured training programs, including short-term fellowships, clinical observerships, on-site placements in France, and joint workshops in Kuwait. This hands-on learning model is expected to upskill frontline medical staff, particularly in areas where Kuwait lacks in-house specialization. On-Site Diagnostics Support The French institutions will send diagnostic experts to Kuwait on rotational visits to conduct complex medical tests, improve lab capabilities, and support local clinicians with advanced case management. Focus areas include oncopathology, cardiac imaging, and genetic testing. Joint Research & Innovation Both sides have committed to launching clinical trials and collaborative research projects, particularly targeting diseases prevalent in the Gulf region such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The aim is to co-develop innovative treatment protocols that could later be scaled for regional application. Why This Matters to Kuwait's Healthcare Future These MoUs go beyond symbolic cooperation, they signify a functional model for technology-driven, collaborative healthcare that integrates global expertise with local needs. By leveraging France's longstanding medical legacy, Kuwait hopes to: Reduce medical travel costs and improve in-country care Develop specialist medical talent through international mentorship Advance diagnostic infrastructure and patient outcomes Promote research culture and knowledge production within national institutions The Ministry of Health views these collaborations as a strategic investment in both human capital and system resilience. Kuwait's new healthcare agreements with elite French hospitals are a calculated step toward building a globally competitive medical ecosystem. As implementation begins, the MoUs are expected to deliver both immediate benefits to patients and long-term advantages for professional development. With stronger institutional ties and shared scientific goals, Kuwait is not only addressing present-day healthcare gaps but also future-proofing its medical services for generations to come. FAQ 1. What are the new healthcare MoUs Kuwait signed with France? Kuwait signed memoranda of understanding with five top French medical institutions to enhance diagnostics, treatment, training, and research. 2. Which French hospitals are involved in the agreements? The MoUs involve Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie, Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, and Rothschild Foundation Hospital. 3. Will Kuwaiti patients be sent to France for treatment? While some critical cases may still go abroad, the focus is on bringing French expertise to Kuwait and expanding local services. 4. How will Kuwaiti doctors benefit from this deal? Doctors will receive training, attend fellowships in France, and collaborate on research and clinical programs with French specialists. 5. When will these agreements take effect? The agreements were signed in July 2025 and are expected to be rolled out in phases starting later this year.
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Projects KD 1 Billion Budget Deficit, Vows Reforms
KUWAIT CITY, July 23: Kuwait's Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, held its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace on Monday, addressing a sweeping agenda that spanned diplomatic relations, environmental initiatives, and financial reforms. The session began with a review of messages sent to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad, from leaders of allied nations, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors. The Cabinet was briefed on the Prime Minister's recent meeting with Egyptian Transport and Industry Minister Kamel Al-Wazir, where both sides explored ways to deepen collaboration between the two nations. In a similar vein, Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef reported on his official visits to Lebanon and Syria, where discussions centered on strengthening security cooperation—particularly in areas such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and intelligence exchange. Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi shared highlights from his official trip to France, which included signing five major agreements with leading Paris-based medical institutions such as Institut Curie and Foch Hospital. He also showcased Kuwait's groundbreaking involvement in a robotic surgery conference in Strasbourg, where a Kuwaiti team performed live remote surgeries—a first for the country and a milestone in its healthcare ambitions. The Cabinet praised these medical advancements, citing them as key milestones in the government's strategy to localize and enhance national healthcare services. Turning to environmental matters, Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi and officials from the Environment Public Authority presented Kuwait's new low-carbon roadmap. The long-term plan aims to shield the country from the impacts of climate change while driving green investment and advancing a circular carbon economy. The Cabinet welcomed the initiative as a vital step in Kuwait's push toward sustainable development. On economic matters, Finance Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Eng. Noura Al-Fassam gave a detailed presentation on the country's 2024–2025 fiscal report. The figures revealed a projected budget deficit of KD 1.056 billion, prompting calls for tighter control on government spending and a renewed push to increase non-oil revenues. The Cabinet also reviewed Kuwait's progress in meeting international standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. Top officials from the National Committee and the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit participated in the briefing, with ministers urged to complete all outstanding tasks to ensure compliance in upcoming evaluation phases. In additional proceedings, the Cabinet approved several draft decree-laws on final accounts for the current fiscal year and agreed to forward them to His Highness the Amir. The ministers also signed off on several other agenda items, referring some to specialized committees for further review. Finally, the Cabinet approved the latest rulings by the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, which included cases involving the revocation of citizenship under the Kuwaiti Nationality Law of 1959 and its amendments.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
When cells rush to repair DNA, they also know when to stop
When ultraviolet light, certain chemical compounds or even normal copying mistakes harm our DNA, cells rush to fix the damage. Doing so means making the right repair proteins — but also not too many. Using baker's yeast and human skin cells, a new study has shown that cells temporarily slow the step in which protein-building machines read messenger RNA, or mRNA, for specific repair genes. In this process, two guardian proteins act like traffic lights that turn those messages from green to red until the emergency has passed. The work uncovers a previously hidden layer of the DNA damage response that prevents both dangerous under-repair and wasteful over-repair. 'It is a smart, evolutionarily conserved strategy that helps cells survive,' Indian Institute of Science associate professor and the study's lead investigator Purusharth I. Rajyaguru said. The study, together with researchers at Institut Curie, Paris, was published recently in EMBO Reports. The researchers attached green fluorescent tags to two proteins, Scd6 (yeast) or LSM14A (humans), and filmed living cells. When the team damaged DNA by treating it with hydroxyurea, the tagged proteins condensed into bright dots called RNA granules. Further analysis revealed that the hydroxyurea made Scd6 clump together while removing the stress dissolved the clumps. This indicated the holding areas were reversible rather than the cell's trash bins. Inside those granules, the researchers found that Scd6 captured the mRNA for an enzyme called Srs2, which unwinds DNA. This action caused the cells to produce lower quantities of Srs2. The researchers confirmed this by mutating either of Scd6's two RNA-gripping regions and found that it couldn't capture the mRNA to make Srs2. Yeast lacking in the Scd6 protein grew poorly when extra Srs2 was present inside cells when the DNA was treated with hydroxyurea, proving that reducing Srs2 production could actually protect the cell. The team found a similar process in human cells. The LSM14A protein also formed granules after hydroxyurea treatment. When LSM14A production was knocked down, the cell made more of two enzymes called RTEL1 and LIG4 that encouraged the cells to stitch broken DNA ends together in an error-prone way. 'Interfering with RNA granule dynamics might be a way to disrupt stress adaptation in cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy,' Dr. Rajyaguru said. 'We are also addressing this aspect in the context of neurodegeneration in our laboratory.'
Medscape
09-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Lysosomal Iron Catalyzes Cell Death in Resistant Cancers
A team from French research institutes Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Institut Curie, and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) has discovered a new class of molecules capable of inducing the death of cancer cells that are resistant to standard treatments. The study was published in Nature on May 7. Harnessing Iron's Properties in Cancer Cells 'In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer or sarcomas, therapeutic options are relatively limited,' Raphaël Rodriguez, research director at CNRS and co-author of the study, told Medscape's French edition . Current cancer treatments mainly target primary tumor cells but often fail to eliminate cells with metastatic potential, which are responsible for 70% of cancer-related deaths. To address this, the team developed a new class of molecules — phospholipid degraders — designed to destroy cancer cell membranes and trigger cell death via ferroptosis. 'We used the properties of iron in cancer cells with metastatic potential. These cells express high levels of the CD44 protein on their surface, which allows them to internalize iron — a resource they need to transform and adapt to standard treatments,' Rodriguez explained. This transformation, however, also makes them more vulnerable to ferroptosis, a form of cell death catalyzed by iron. Within lysosomes — the small organelles that break down cellular debris and foreign material — iron reacts with hydrogen peroxide, generating oxygen radicals. These radicals damage lysosomal membranes and initiate a chain reaction that spreads throughout the cell, leading to the formation of peroxidized lipids in the membranes of other organelles and ultimately causing cell death. 'We were the first to link cancer, adaptability, and vulnerability to ferroptosis. Cancer cells can adapt, but they don't have a thousand identities. They have two: one that proliferates and one that spreads. Today, we target proliferation. We also need to target dissemination,' said Rodriguez. Phospholipid Degraders The researchers developed phospholipid degraders that activate ferroptosis. These molecules contain one segment that targets the cell membrane, enabling penetration and accumulation in lysosomes. A second segment enhances iron reactivity in these compartments of pro-metastatic cancer cells, triggering ferroptosis. The molecules, named fentomycin-1 (Fento-1), were made fluorescent to confirm their lysosomal localization using fluorescence microscopy. 'Ferroptosis results from the cell's inability to repair membrane damage,' Rodriguez summarized. Reduction in Tumor Growth Tested on primary patient-derived cells, tumor organoids, human biopsies, and immunocompetent animal models, these molecules demonstrated greater efficacy than standard treatments. In preclinical models of metastatic breast cancer, Fento-1 led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. It also showed strong cytotoxic effects in biopsies of pancreatic cancers and angiosarcomas. 'The most interesting results come when we combine these molecules with current treatments. The response is even better,' emphasized Rodriguez. 'We're not saying our treatment will replace existing therapies. We need a combination,' he added. The next steps include toxicity studies, followed by clinical trials. 'Industry and investors should be interested in developing this new therapeutic strategy.' This work was supported by the Ligue Contre le Cancer (Les équipes labellisées), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Fondation Charles Defforey - Institut de France, Klaus Grohe Foundation, Institut National du Cancer, Région Île-de-France, the French National Research Agency, Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, CNRS, Institut Curie, and Inserm.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Detained Russian-born Harvard scientist criminally charged with smuggling
BOSTON - A Russian-born scientist and research associate at Harvard University who has been held for weeks in an immigration detention center in Louisiana has been criminally charged with attempting to smuggle frog embryo samples into the United States. Federal prosecutors in Boston announced the smuggling charge against Kseniia Petrova, 31, hours after a federal judge in Vermont heard arguments in a lawsuit she filed alleging that the Trump administration has been unlawfully detaining her. Prior to her arrest, the government had indicated it planned to deport her back to Russia, despite Petrova stating she feared being persecuted if sent back to her birth country after protesting Russia's war in Ukraine. She was detained at Logan International Airport in Boston on February 16 after returning to the United States from France. Petrova has said that her boss had asked her to bring back frog embryo samples from Institut Curie in France for ongoing experiments. Federal prosecutors said that upon her arrival, Petrova was stopped by Customs and Border Protection agents after her checked duffle bag was flagged for inspection, revealing what they say was undeclared biological material. Gregory Romanovsky, Petrova's lawyer, said in a statement he had been "blindsided by the unsealing of a meritless criminal complaint." It came almost immediately after a hearing in her lawsuit, where a judge scheduled a May 28 bail hearing to decide whether to order her released. "The charge, filed three months after the alleged customs violation, is clearly intended to make Kseniia look like a criminal to justify their efforts to deport her," he said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
