The New Cancer Center: An Achievement Awaiting Swift Commissioning

We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi and to the Ministry of Health for the substantial efforts undertaken to establish the new Kuwait Cancer Control Center in the Al-Sabah Health Area.

This monumental medical facility, with a capacity of 618 beds and equipped with the latest radiotherapy and diagnostic technologies, represents a qualitative leap in our healthcare system and reflects the leadership’s commitment to providing the best possible care for cancer patients. It is a source of pride for all of us that Kuwait possesses a center of this caliber.

Core Issue – A Call for Urgency: While we take pride in this achievement, our great hope today is to accelerate the operational launch of this vital center. Two years have passed since the completion of the building’s construction, yet our esteemed patients at the old Shuwaikh Center continue to face immense pressure. We witness daily long waiting lines and overcrowding in clinics and chemotherapy wards.

Cancer patients have a special status; their immunity is compromised, and overcrowding exposes them to greater risks. Every day of delay is an additional day of suffering for them and their families.

We are confident that the Ministry of Health recognizes the importance of this file. Therefore, we propose four measures to expedite operations:

1. Parallel Procurement: Announce the timeline for installing medical equipment, which is no less critical than the building itself.

2. Phased Operation: Begin operating certain departments of the new center in stages, even if not fully completed, to immediately alleviate pressure on the current facility.

3. Recruitment of Personnel: Announce early plans for hiring and training specialized medical and nursing staff, as they are the cornerstone of any hospital’s success.

4. Repurposing Old Buildings: As equipment and medical staff are transferred to the new center, we propose renovating the old Shuwaikh Center buildings and utilizing them as support departments, outpatient clinics, or a center for follow-up and palliative care. This approach allows us to leverage existing infrastructure without disrupting any beds.

Conclusion: As a society, we eagerly await the day when the doors of this center open to receive our patients, so they may find the comfort and dignified treatment they deserve.

“The building is ready, and there is great hope for a swift operational launch.”

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