Minister of Health issues a ministerial decision to establish the (Fertility Medicine Unit Laboratory) in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kuwait City, August 26 (KUNA) -- Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a ministerial decision today, Wednesday, establishing a technical unit titled the “Fertility Medicine Unit Laboratory” within the obstetrics and gynecology departments of hospitals under the Ministry of Health. This move aims to strengthen the technical and regulatory governance of these laboratories and to entrench quality and safety standards in their services.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Health said the decision outlined the technical and administrative duties and responsibilities of the head of the Fertility Medicine Unit Laboratory. These include supervising specialized laboratory procedures, such as egg retrieval, fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo and human sperm cryopreservation. It also involves implementing approved protocols, managing equipment and facilities, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining sterilization and safety requirements.
The decision places emphasis on quality assurance and monitoring programs, analyzing data from assisted reproduction cycles, tracking success rates and indicators, preparing periodic reports, and utilizing them to improve performance. It also covers training and evaluating staff, and enhancing collaboration between laboratories and clinical teams to support the integration of care pathways for patients.
Furthermore, the decision organized the supervision mechanism for Fertility Medicine Unit laboratories, stipulating that they report technically and administratively to the Head of Fertility Medicine Unit Laboratories, who in turn reports technically and administratively to the Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments. The head’s responsibilities include monitoring performance quality, evaluating results and statistics, overseeing the implementation of quality control programs, tracking needs and equipment, and managing device maintenance contracts.
The decision also emphasizes strengthening research and development, keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements in fertility and assisted reproduction, formulating future plans to develop laboratory technologies, and monitoring the training of newly appointed staff, assessing their readiness and suitability for work in this specialized field.
Additionally, the decision sets specific requirements for academic qualifications and professional experience for assuming the role of Head of Fertility Medicine Unit Laboratories, ensuring that technical and administrative responsibilities are entrusted to qualified and experienced specialists, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the operational system and the quality of services provided.
The Ministry confirmed that the decision aligns with the Ministry of Health’s efforts to develop the fertility and assisted reproduction service system, strengthen governance, quality, and specialization in laboratory management, and support the safety of procedures, operational efficiency, and integrated healthcare delivery. (End) M.N.M./A.M.H.
