Health Minister: Over 2,000 endoscopic and 1,200 ultrasound procedures performed last year
Press coverage 2 newspapers covered this event: Al-Jarida · Sarmad →
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi highlighted the ministry's achievements in gastrointestinal and liver diseases, while Ibn Sina Hospital launched an awareness event for Alzheimer's patients, attended by Dr. Lamea Al-Sarraf.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi affirmed on Friday the Ministry’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as well as investing in national expertise and supporting training and scientific research to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.
This statement came during a speech delivered by Minister Al-Awadi at the opening of the Fourth Conference of the Kuwait Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association and the First Gulf Meeting on Gastrointestinal Diseases, held from November 12 to 14, with participation from numerous doctors and specialists from Kuwait and abroad.
Minister Al-Awadi noted that the Ministry of Health continues to expand the development of gastrointestinal, liver, and interventional endoscopy services in state hospitals to strengthen the capacity for diagnosing complex cases and providing the latest advanced treatment options with minimal surgical intervention.
He highlighted key medical achievements accomplished by Al-Amiri, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Jabir Al-Ahmad, Farwaniya, Al-Sabah, and Al-Adan hospitals, as well as specialized centers, over the past year, noting the performance of more than 2,000 advanced interventional endoscopy procedures and 1,200 cases using endoscopic ultrasound.
He added that notable successes were recorded, including the first endoscopic transgastric biliary drainage procedure without surgery at Jabir Al-Ahmad Hospital, as well as liver transplants and tumor and polyp treatments using the latest interventional techniques.
For her part, Dr. Hiba Al-Farhan, President of the Kuwait Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association and Conference Chair, stated in a similar address that hosting this scientific event in Kuwait, coinciding with the First Gulf Gathering on Gastrointestinal Diseases, represents a significant milestone in collaborative medical efforts and reinforces the country’s position as a hub for scientific cooperation and the exchange of medical expertise regionally and internationally.
She said the gathering brings together a select group of experts, doctors, and specialists from 10 countries: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, reflecting the conference’s scientific standing and the importance of building bridges of communication between Gulf and global expertise.
She added that the conference’s scientific program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, launching with four specialized workshops covering liver diseases, scientific research, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and their diagnostic methods, alongside a workshop dedicated to nursing staff to develop their skills in managing inflammatory bowel disease and interventional endoscopy, in addition to sessions and lectures presenting the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister launched an awareness event for Alzheimer’s patients at The Avenues Mall, organized by Ibn Sina Hospital under the Ministry of Health in collaboration with several associations affiliated with the Kuwait Medical Association.
Dr. Lamea Al-Sarraf, a Consultant of Brain and Nerve Radiology at Ibn Sina Hospital, told KUNA on the sidelines of her participation in the event that the awareness campaign, held in cooperation with the Brain and Nerve Radiology, Neurology, and Geriatrics associations, lasts for one day and aims to enhance community awareness of the disease.
Dr. Al-Sarraf emphasized the pivotal role of the hospital’s memory clinic in the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which contributes to improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients.
In this regard, she clarified that the clinic includes a select group of consultants specializing in neurology, geriatrics, and psychiatry, emphasizing the vital role of brain and nerve imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the application of artificial intelligence technologies in achieving accurate diagnosis.
She further explained that, based on a scientific study, prevention and reduction of memory problems can be achieved by maintaining sleep quality, engaging in regular physical exercise, and conducting periodic monitoring of blood pressure and diabetes levels, in addition to treating psychological disorders and reducing stress.
She added that Kuwait’s healthcare system provides the latest pharmacological treatments and specialized cognitive training programs that contribute to slowing disease progression and delaying its symptoms by approximately 40 percent, provided that early diagnosis and intervention are implemented.
