Kuwait’s healthcare advances as patient referrals abroad plummet
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, said the country’s healthcare system has made significant therapeutic advancements by introducing robotics and cutting-edge surgical techniques in hospitals.
• Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, said the ministry is committed to adopting international advancements in AI and robotic surgery to enhance healthcare quality and ensure patient safety and comfort.
• The Da Vinci Surgical System at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center has demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully performing over 1,600 complex surgeries as of 2022.
• Kuwait Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Surgery aims to examine the current state of modern medical technology, evaluate its impact, and outline future plans to advance healthcare services through research and innovation.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, stated that the number of patients sent abroad for treatment has significantly declined to mere hundreds, attributed to advancements in Kuwait’s medical and therapeutic system, as reported by Al Qabas newspaper.
This was stated during the Kuwait Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Surgery, organized by the Kuwaiti Surgeons Association at the Four Seasons Hotel on Monday.
Al-Awadhi highlighted that Kuwait’s healthcare system has made significant therapeutic advancements by introducing robotics and cutting-edge surgical techniques in hospitals.
He noted that the conference aims to examine the current state of modern medical technology, evaluate its impact, and outline future plans to advance healthcare services through research and innovation.
Embracing AI and robotics for surgical excellence
Al-Awadhi added, “The Ministry of Health is committed to adopting the latest global advancements in medical fields, including artificial intelligence applications and robotic technologies in surgery. This aligns with its strategic vision to enhance the quality of healthcare services and ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort for patients.”
Al-Awadhi stated that the introduction of robotic technologies and artificial intelligence in microsurgeries, such as urology, has significantly improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced complications compared to traditional methods.
He highlighted that surgical robots offer high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging and enhance the precision of surgical instrument usage, enabling surgeons to perform intricate and complex operations beyond the limits of human capabilities.
Robotic-assisted urology surgeries
Al-Awadhi noted that robotic-assisted urology surgeries, for instance, have proven effective in treating both benign and malignant tumors. This technology allows for greater flexibility and precision during procedures while reducing pain and shortening patient recovery times.
The Minister of Health emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to modernize the healthcare system, construct more medical facilities, and intensify development initiatives.
Development of robotic surgical techniques
Dr. Shihab Akrov, President of the conference and the Kuwait Society of Surgeons, stated that this event outlines a roadmap for legislative advancements and the development of robotic surgical techniques.
Akrov added that the number of robotic devices may increase to five within the next five years, marking a significant milestone for Kuwait’s healthcare system.
1,600 complex surgeries performed
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi takes pride in the achievements of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center, a leading medical institution specializing in the treatment of urological diseases.
He highlighted that the center houses several specialized units dedicated to oncology, kidney stones, infertility, and urinary tract stenosis treatment, making it the largest urology surgery center within the government sector.
Dr. Al-Awadhi stated, “The Da Vinci Surgical System was introduced at the center in 2013 and has since demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully performing over 1,600 complex surgeries by 2022. This accomplishment earned recognition from the state of Louisiana, USA.”
Advancing diagnostic accuracy
Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that organizing this conference underscores the spirit of collaboration among specialists, providing a platform to exchange expertise and develop solutions for challenges posed by technological advancements. It also enhances the role of artificial intelligence in improving diagnostic accuracy and the efficiency of surgical procedures, ultimately benefiting overall patient care quality.
Five steps to medical development
- Expanding the use of advanced surgical techniques.
- Building more advanced medical facilities.
- Enhancing the efficiency of medical devices and improving services.
- Exchanging medical expertise with developed countries.
- Achieving further advancements in performing accurate and complex surgeries.
