Healthcare Services in Kuwait: An Integrated System Rivaling Global Standards in Development

A progressive qualitative leap is being achieved by Kuwait’s healthcare system, thanks to the noticeable expansion in integrating modern and smart technologies into the medical sector, with robotic remote surgery leading the way. This has contributed to updating healthcare and developing services provided to patients across various government and specialized hospitals.

Kuwait’s leadership in developing its healthcare system rests on a broad infrastructure that has served as a genuine catalyst for this sector, enabling it to keep pace with and expand the scope of health, therapeutic, and emerging technologies, ultimately anticipating the future and the latest scientific advancements in therapeutic and preventive technologies and programs.

In implementation of the high directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait has given great attention to the health sector through diligent and strategic efforts toward an integrated system that rivals global systems in its development, ensuring the provision of high-quality healthcare that meets patients’ needs. This aligns with the vision of “New Kuwait 2035,” which prioritizes public health to ensure a better health and life for current and future generations.

Enhancing this path no longer focuses solely on providing traditional medical care but has extended to adopting the latest advancements in modern medicine, particularly remote robotic surgery, given the direct and tangible impact of this technological development on the quality of life and medical services benefiting patients in Kuwait.

Robotic remote surgery relies on delivering highly precise therapeutic programs through tools controlled by the surgeon via an advanced control platform that provides a three-dimensional, high-definition view of internal body tissues, granting the surgeon greater control and precision that surpasses ordinary human capabilities.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday that the development of surgical services is based on building sustainable national capacities that combine human efficiency, equipment quality, and safe practice, noting that the value of medical progress is measured by its contribution to the quality of care and patients’ lives.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah stated that robotic surgery encompasses multiple specialties at Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, Farwaniya Hospital, Al-Jahra New Hospital, Chest Diseases Hospital, and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center, reflecting the diverse application of the technology according to therapeutic needs and the expertise of specialized teams.

He noted that robotic surgery at Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital began in 2019, with an expansion in specialties and expertise, reaching 1,145 procedures by September 4, 2026. These include urology, bariatric surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, hernia, colon and rectal surgery, liver diseases and surgery, gynecology, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgery.

He added that the orthopedic surgery department at Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital began performing robot-assisted surgeries in January 2024, with over 115 cases performed using the technology, highlighting the extension of the technology’s applications to orthopedic surgeries and the growing national expertise in this field.

He pointed to Al-Jahra New Hospital, which launched its robotic surgery program with its first procedure on April 27, 2025, reaching a total of 155 procedures by September 6, 2026, covering general surgery, urology, and specialized surgeries.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah stated that the procedures included colon and kidney tumor removal, reconstructive surgeries, bariatric surgeries, and abdominal wall hernia repairs. A total of 100 operations were performed in less than six months since the start of operations, reflecting the rapid acquisition of expertise and the integrated performance of the surgical and nursing teams.

He noted that the Chest Diseases Hospital witnessed the use of robotics in thoracic and cardiac surgeries, with 30 thoracic surgery procedures and 25 cardiac surgery procedures conducted as part of robotic surgery specialty applications.

Regarding the impact of these technologies, he clarified that they provide capabilities to enhance visualization, control of instruments, and performance of precise tasks. They may help perform limited surgical interventions for suitable cases. However, measuring their impact on length of stay and recovery requires monitoring outcomes based on the type of surgery and patient condition, and comparing them with alternatives according to clear scientific indicators.

He said that the choice of technology should be based on the patient’s best interest and accompanied by documentation and review of results. The increase in the number of operations gains value only when accompanied by sustainable quality and safe performance.

The Ministry of Health did not limit its development of robotic use within hospitals; its experience extended to remote surgery, enabling specialty expertise to reach patients by linking different geographical locations within and outside Kuwait.

The Deputy Minister of Health stated that Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center began performing remote robotic surgeries on December 20, 2024, successfully conducting 15 procedures, including 12 international and three local operations via connections within Kuwait.

He explained that the international operations were distributed as eight from Shanghai, China; two from Strasbourg, France; one from Muscat, Oman; and one from Padua, Italy. Meanwhile, patients at the center in Kuwait received care from the team present beside them.

He mentioned a documented case of a radical prostatectomy led by a Kuwaiti surgeon from Strasbourg for a patient at the center, which was broadcast live during an international conference in July 2025, allowing the showcase of national expertise and knowledge exchange regarding remote surgery applications.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah emphasized that these experiences highlight the capabilities of national cadres to utilize advanced communication to provide specialized surgical services, stressing the importance of continuing direct patient care and the integration of roles among all team members.

Regarding performing surgery on a patient abroad, he said that cooperation emerged between Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and the (SCOLA) center at (Cruz Vermelha) Hospital in Brazil. A medical team in Kuwait performed surgery on a patient in Brazil, an achievement documented by Guinness World Records on September 23, 2025, with a distance of 12,340.92 km between the patient and the surgeon. The cooperation also included a procedure performed by a team in Brazil on a patient in Kuwait, presenting a model of cross-border collaborative surgery.

At the local level, cooperation between the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Jahra Hospital resulted in three remote surgeries for patients with uterine cancer, announced by the Ministry in October 2025, reflecting the potential to expand the utilization of specialized expertise among institutions.

November 2025 witnessed collaboration between the surgery department at Farwaniya Hospital and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for the Treatment of a patient requiring gallbladder and left kidney removal. The gallbladder surgery was performed remotely from Farwaniya Hospital while the patient was at the center, followed by the urology team at the center performing the kidney surgery with a surgeon from Farwaniya Hospital’s team standing by the patient, ready to intervene if needed. This procedure was characterized by clear role delineation, emergency preparedness, and team integration.

The Deputy Minister of Health stated that these achievements are the result of collective efforts deserving recognition, and it is our responsibility to build upon them through continuous qualification, scientific evaluation, and enhanced inter-institutional cooperation. He emphasized that every individual in medical, nursing, and technical teams plays a valued role in the success of this system.

Regarding strategic vision, investment, and organization, he noted that the development of robotic surgery is linked to strengthening integration between healthcare services and digital infrastructure, making medical expertise more accessible to those in need. He stressed the importance of connection reliability, data protection, and the sustainable operation of systems. He added that investment evaluation encompasses equipment, training, maintenance, and support facilities, and that resource allocation should be tied to clinical need, usage efficiency, and outcomes, ensuring that technological expansion is matched by sustainable operational capacity.

On the regulatory aspect, he underscored the importance of clear qualification requirements, professional responsibility, and informed consent, particularly in cross-border surgery, noting that continuous regulatory compliance is essential to safeguarding patient rights and defining the responsibilities of participating parties.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah did not overlook the importance of graduated training, simulation, skills assessment, and knowledge exchange involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and technical teams. He pointed out that developing advanced simulation capabilities enables the preparation of personnel and training for emergency scenarios before they are encountered clinically.

Regarding malfunctions or connection interruptions, he clarified that any expansion in remote surgery must be based on a clear emergency plan, a qualified team present with the patient, and the ability to switch to an appropriate alternative when necessary, supported by readiness testing and response training.

He noted that building patient trust begins with explaining the doctor’s role and control over the robotic system, providing understandable information about benefits, risks, and alternatives, disclosing the location of the surgeon and the care team, respecting privacy, and listening to the patient’s experience.

The Deputy Minister of Health stated that Kuwait’s aspiration is to consolidate a national medical capability that combines science, expertise, and responsibility, leveraging cooperation and technology to serve humanity. The fruits of this progress should reflect in patient safety and quality of life, while enhancing Kuwait’s reputation in the healthcare sector.

The sustained success of robotic surgery in Kuwait is linked to a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at investing in and training national medical personnel according to the latest international standards. Through expanding remote surgery applications, Kuwait seeks to consolidate its position as a leading regional hub for providing modern medical services.