Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi affirmed on Sunday that maternal and fetal medicine is a cornerstone of the modern healthcare system, given its vital role in safeguarding the mother’s life and ensuring a healthy, promising future for the child — ultimately shaping the wellbeing of future generations and the nation.
Speaking at the opening of the Second Gulf Conference on Maternal and Fetal Medicine, held under the theme “Cooperation Between GCC Countries in Fetal Interventions,” Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that the event serves as a key scientific platform for sharing expertise and advancing the latest medical practices.
He highlighted Kuwait’s significant progress in recent years through upgraded health infrastructure, enhanced medical workforce development, and expanded capacity in specialized hospitals.
Among the notable achievements are the 2023 opening of the new Farwaniya Hospital, featuring 192 beds for the women’s and maternity department and six advanced operating rooms; the upcoming 2025 inauguration of the new Maternity Hospital with 789 beds, 59 delivery rooms, and 28 operating rooms; and the launch of the Maternity and Child Hospital in Ahmadi, offering 637 beds and 21 operating rooms.
He added that maternal and fetal medicine units at the Maternity and Farwaniya hospitals now provide comprehensive diagnostic services for more than 4,800 pregnancies annually, reflecting the skill and dedication of Kuwait’s national medical teams in managing high-risk cases according to global standards.
For her part, Dr. Amal Khader, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Council and President of the Conference, stated that the scientific program reflects the rapid advancements in fetal interventions and prenatal medicine.
She noted that the conference will address a broad spectrum of specialized topics, including genetic counseling, interpretation of genetic variants, prenatal diagnostics, early detection, fetal palliative care, family support, advanced fetal surgical procedures, maternal mental health, fetal infection management, preeclampsia treatment and early warning systems, fetal cardiac imaging, and the ethical and legal dimensions of maternal–fetal care.
Dr. Khader highlighted that the event balances scientific theory with hands-on training, featuring three specialized workshops conducted to the highest international standards.
Among them is a workshop on simulation-based education, designed to strengthen the foundations of modern medical training and enrich clinical learning environments.
She emphasized that these workshops reflect the GCC’s commitment to transferring advanced expertise into clinical practice and enhancing the capabilities of medical teams, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and their babies.
