Kuwait expands addiction treatment by opening new wing; strengthens anti-drug efforts
Addiction is a disease that requires treatment not prosecution; praises the center for offering world-class care. Kuwait’s anti-narcotics personnel have made significant sacrifices, operating in dangerous and unpredictable conditions to protect the nation -- Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef affirmed that Kuwait is waging a determined war against drug traffickers, highlighting a nearly seven-fold increase in drug prices as evidence of the operation’s success.
The statement came during the inauguration of the tenth wing of the Addiction Treatment Center, a move aimed at expanding treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts.
The project is supported by Kuwait Finance House, whose chairman, Hamad Al-Marzouq, attended the ceremony alongside Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, reports Al-Rai daily.
Sheikh Fahd emphasized that addiction is a disease requiring treatment rather than prosecution, praising the center for offering world-class care. He noted that Kuwait’s anti-narcotics personnel have made significant sacrifices, operating in dangerous and unpredictable conditions to protect the nation.
Highlighting inclusive healthcare, Al-Yousef stressed that all residents in Kuwait receive treatment without discrimination. He cited supervised home treatment programs using wearable monitoring devices as highly successful and expressed hope for rehabilitated patients to reintegrate into society and return to work.
The Interior Minister also announced that a long-awaited anti-drug law will soon be enacted, ensuring severe consequences for offenders. He reported that drug entry into Kuwait has dropped by roughly 90% over the past year, with the remaining 10% manageable.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi underscored the importance of public health awareness, praising healthcare and media professionals for educating the community and promoting prevention, noting that awareness is an integral part of societal health efforts.
Hamad Al-Marzouq highlighted Kuwait Finance House’s long-standing support for the center, emphasizing that the project aligns with KFH’s commitment to national and societal well-being. Sheikh Fahd concluded that the new wing exemplifies successful collaboration between government institutions and the private sector, offering a therapeutic environment comparable to top hotels.
