Chest surgery consultant Dr. Issa Al-Ghanim announced that Kuwait is on the verge of performing its first lung transplant, following more than six months of rigorous preparations. The pioneering operation is expected to mark a significant milestone in the country’s medical capabilities.
Speaking to Kuwait TV, Dr. Al-Ghanim emphasized that the success of this complex procedure relies on a multidisciplinary approach. “It’s not only about thoracic surgeons,” he said. “We need collaboration across various specialties — internal medicine, pulmonology, physiotherapy, and more.”
An integrated team has been assembled at the Chest Diseases Hospital to ensure comprehensive patient care throughout the transplant process.
Dr. Al-Ghanim also highlighted the major cost savings this program offers. “Lung transplantation abroad costs between one and two million dollars per patient over six months,” he explained. “In Kuwait, we can perform the same operation and offer lifelong follow-up for under $100,000.”
This analysis was conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and in line with political directives to improve healthcare efficiency and reduce costs, he added.
He noted that the first group of candidates for the transplant includes ten patients who are in the final stages of preparation and will be among the first to benefit from the new program.
Most eligible patients are those suffering from advanced pulmonary fibrosis, while cases of chronic pulmonary obstruction, particularly those linked to smoking, are the second most common.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Kuwait’s healthcare sector and is expected to provide life-saving treatment to patients while reducing the burden of sending them abroad for care.
