Kuwait opens world’s first public health virus laboratory
The laboratory will serve as a reference for both the government and private sectors, processing about 10,000 samples daily from various entities and public and private hospitals for virus testing.
• The Public Health Virus Laboratory positions Kuwait as the pioneer in utilizing electronic connectivity and information systems alongside the advanced “S Alinity” systems.
• The laboratory will process samples using the devices, allowing them to be received, processed, and results generated without any human intervention, which will reduce errors, enhance result accuracy, and improve the quality of health services provided.
The Ministry of Health has inaugurated the Public Health Virus Laboratory, the world’s first facility of its kind, positioning Kuwait as the pioneer in utilizing electronic connectivity and information systems alongside the advanced “S Alinity” systems, according to Al Jarida newspaper.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, stated during the opening that the laboratory will receive all samples from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, as well as those from expatriate worker examinations, food handler assessments, the Medical Council, and marriage examinations.
The laboratory will also serve as a reference for both the government and private sectors, processing about 10,000 samples daily from various entities and public and private hospitals for virus testing. He noted that previously, samples were handled semi-manually, but now they will be processed using devices provided by the ministry.
Al-Awadhi explained that with these devices, samples will be received, processed, and results generated without any human intervention, which will reduce errors, enhance result accuracy, and improve the quality of health services provided.
Laboratory employs the world’s first fully automated system
For her part, Dr. Sarah Al-Qabandi, the Head of Public Health Laboratories, stated that the “Health” laboratories serve as the reference for the State of Kuwait and consist of several laboratories. She added that the laboratory employs the world’s first fully automated system, utilizing modern and precise technologies to track samples automatically, without manual intervention, and to electronically monitor blood test samples from the time they are drawn until they reach the laboratory and the results are issued.
She emphasized the accuracy of the electronic system used in the laboratory, which will assist in tracking samples from withdrawal to result, thereby reducing human errors and increasing the speed at which results are obtained.
Faisal Al-Muajjel, the agent for the company implementing the project, told KUNA that the project includes connecting five “S Alinity” systems to the innovative automatic GLP system for the first time in the world, providing proven technology with enhanced flexibility and options to achieve the goals of public health laboratories.
Al-Muajjel pointed out that this system provides the latest technologies for the accurate diagnosis of epidemic cases with high efficiency, all within a smaller space compared to other available systems. He emphasized that Alinity systems are advanced in terms of speed and effectiveness in examining and diagnosing epidemic diseases, stressing that the project will enhance Kuwait’s position as a regional and international health reference.
National holiday celebrations
On another note, Minister Al-Awadhi stated that the Ministry of Health is committed to participating in national holiday celebrations to foster values of loyalty and belonging to the country and to elevate its status.
This was mentioned in a statement made by Al-Awadhi at the conclusion of the ministry’s celebratory activities at its headquarters for Kuwait’s national holidays, held under the slogan “Pride and Honour,” with the participation of various ministries and health sectors.
After touring the accompanying exhibition at the closing ceremony, he emphasized that this cherished memory inspires Kuwaitis with lessons and morals to build a bright future for Kuwait, guided by its wise leadership and the unity of its people, drawing inspiration from the efforts of their forefathers and their sincere vision for establishing the country.
