Al-Taqi: Developing pharmaceutical cadres and enhancing their capabilities as a cornerstone for improving healthcare standards

The Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association launched the Third Kuwait Conference on Pharmaceutical Advancement, attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah. In his address, Dr. Ahmed Taqi, President of the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association, emphasized that the Third Kuwait Conference on Pharmaceutical Advancement 2026 constitutes an important scientific and professional platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge, and showcasing the latest developments and advancements across various fields of pharmaceutical sciences and practices, thereby contributing to elevating the level of pharmaceutical services and enhancing the role of pharmacists within Kuwait’s healthcare system. Dr. Taqi noted that the third edition of the conference sees broad participation from experts, specialists, and academics from within Kuwait and abroad, with representatives from more than 10 countries, a move that reflects the scientific and professional stature the conference has attained at both the regional and international levels.

He clarified that the conference features a comprehensive scientific program, carefully prepared to keep pace with the rapid developments in the pharmaceutical sector. It covers various specialties and fields, including clinical, therapeutic, industrial, and regulatory pharmacy, alongside discussions on issues and challenges related to the future of the pharmacy profession, and exploring opportunities to enhance professional practice and strengthen pharmacists’ contributions to healthcare delivery.

Taqi added that this year’s conference witnessed active and distinguished participation from the Ministry of Health, through several departments and entities involved in the pharmaceutical sector, including the Drug Registration Department, Drug Control, Drug Inspection, Pharmacovigilance, Pharmaceutical Services Department, as well as the Ministry’s Media Office. This reflects the importance of integration and cooperation between health institutions and professional associations in developing the pharmaceutical sector.

He noted that local participation also included the College of Pharmacy at Kuwait University, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, the Dasman Diabetes Center, along with a number of scientific and health institutions. He emphasized that this presence enhances opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange among various academic, health, and professional sectors.

On the Gulf level, Taqi explained that the conference hosted representatives from pharmaceutical associations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with participation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Qatar. This strengthens professional and scientific ties among pharmacists in the Gulf states and opens broader horizons for exchanging successful experiences and specialized expertise.

He pointed out the participation of the Regional Office of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), along with prestigious global academic institutions, including University College London (UCL), which is among the world’s leading educational institutions in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. He clarified that their participation in the exhibition accompanying the conference represents an important opportunity to learn about advanced academic and research experiences and to explore areas of scientific and educational cooperation.

Taqi emphasized that the diversity of local, Gulf, and international participation reflects the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association’s commitment to expanding scientific and professional partnerships, leveraging global expertise to support the development of pharmaceutical practice, and enhancing Kuwait’s presence at specialized scientific forums.

He outlined that the conference aims to achieve three main objectives. The first is to raise the level of scientific and professional knowledge among pharmacists in Kuwait and the region by providing access to the latest research, studies, and scientific practices, and by promoting continuous professional education and development.

He added that the second objective is to highlight the achievements and developments attained by the pharmaceutical sector in Kuwait, shedding light on the efforts of the Ministry of Health and health and academic institutions in developing pharmaceutical services and practices, thereby reflecting the progress witnessed by the Kuwaiti healthcare system.

He clarified that the third objective focuses on building professional and scientific networking and collaboration platforms among pharmacists, experts, and researchers from within Kuwait and abroad, thereby facilitating the exchange of experiences and expertise and paving the way for future partnerships in the fields of education, training, scientific research, and the development of pharmaceutical services. Al-Taqi stressed that investing in the development of pharmacy personnel and enhancing their scientific and professional capabilities constitutes a fundamental pillar for advancing the level of healthcare. He noted that the pharmacy profession is undergoing rapid transformations that require keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements, as well as expanding the roles of pharmacists across various areas of healthcare.