‘Rheumatology Conference key to advancing patient care and regional expertise’
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi said the annual Kuwait Rheumatology Conference organized by the Kuwait Association of Rheumatologists’ is of vital importance as a leading scientific platform for exchanging expertise and improving care for patients with rheumatic diseases, both locally and regionally.
Dr. Al-Awadhi also commended Kuwaiti doctors’ contributions at Gulf and international conferences, including scientific research and the development of national treatment protocols for rheumatoid diseases and vaccination strategies, according to Al-Rai daily.
In opening remarks, the Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Dr. Abdullah Al-Fars, noted that the third annual conference brings together global experts to discuss the latest in rheumatology and immunology.
As part of the Ministry’s strategy to develop rheumatology services, he added, the national medical registries have been established for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and pediatric rheumatism—enhancing treatment planning and supporting research.
The Ministry has also prioritized training national medical personnel, hosting workshops with international experts to improve diagnostic skills, particularly in ultrasound imaging and autoimmune disease management. Hospitals have introduced advanced diagnostic tools, including musculoskeletal ultrasounds and capillary microscopy for Raynaud’s disease. A vascular ultrasound clinic was also opened at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital for diagnosing giant cell necrosis, he added.
The integrated care, he said, has expanded with the establishment of joint clinics that pair rheumatologists with dermatologists, nephrologists, OB-GYNs, and pulmonologists. A specialized fibromyalgia clinic at Al-Sabah Hospital and a transition clinic at Al-Adan Hospital were also launched to support patients with chronic and developmental needs.
Regionally, Kuwait has hosted major events such as the ASAS International Conference on ankylosing spondylitis, the Arab Rheumatology Associations Conference, and the first unified Gulf conference, reinforcing its leadership in the medical field.
The Ministry supports community outreach through annual awareness events like World Rheumatism Day and Lupus Day.
Dr. Heba Al-Hajri, Chair of the Conference and President of the Kuwait Association of Rheumatologists, highlighted the participation of six international, two regional, and 25 local experts. She announced plans for a unified Kuwaiti protocol for autoimmune vasculitis and the launch of the Kuwaiti Rheumatology Fellowship at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties, with Ministry backing.
