Kuwait's Healthcare System: A Qualitative Leap Integrating Modern and Smart Technologies, Led by Remote Robotic Surgery

Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) report within the health bulletin of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) by Mohammed Al-Muassab (Report)

Kuwait, September 21 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti health system is achieving a significant qualitative leap, driven by the notable expansion in integrating modern and smart technologies into the medical sector, led by remote robotic surgery. This advancement has contributed to updating healthcare and developing services provided to patients across various government and specialized hospitals.

Kuwait’s leadership in developing its health system is built on a wide infrastructure that serves as a genuine catalyst for the sector, enabling it to keep pace with and expand the scope of health, therapeutic, and emerging technologies. This progress aims to anticipate the future and adopt the latest scientific advancements in therapeutic and preventive programs.

In implementation of the high directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God protect and support him), the state of Kuwait attaches great importance to the health sector through diligent and strategic efforts toward an integrated system that rivals global systems in its development. This ensures the provision of high-quality healthcare that meets patient needs. This aligns with the "New Kuwait 2035" vision, which prioritizes public health to guarantee a better life and health for current and future generations.

Strengthening this path no longer relies solely on providing traditional medical care; it has extended to adopting the latest advancements in modern medicine, specifically remote robotic surgery. This technological development has a direct and tangible impact on the quality of life and medical services benefiting patients in Kuwait.

Remote robotic surgery relies on delivering highly precise therapeutic programs through tools controlled by the surgeon via an advanced control platform. This platform provides high-definition, three-dimensional views of internal body tissues, granting the surgeon greater control and guidance capabilities that exceed ordinary human limits.

Deputy Minister 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. He noted that the value of medical progress is measured by what it adds to the quality of care and the patient’s life.

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

He mentioned that the robotic surgery journey at Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital began in 2019, witnessing an expansion in specialties and expertise. The number of surgeries reached 1,145 as of September 4, 2026, covering urology, bariatric surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, hernia, colon and rectal surgery, liver diseases and surgery, gynecology, and ENT.

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. This highlights the extension of the technology’s applications to orthopedic surgeries and the growing national expertise in this field.

Regarding Al-Jahra New Hospital, which launched its robotic surgery program with its first surgery on April 27, 2025, the total number of surgeries reached 155 as of September 6, 2026. These included general surgery, urology, and specialized surgeries.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah clarified that these surgeries included the removal of colon and kidney tumors, reconstructive surgeries, bariatric surgeries, and abdominal wall hernia repairs. One hundred surgeries were completed in less than six months from 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 robots in chest and heart surgeries, with 30 chest surgeries and 25 heart surgeries performed within the specialized applications of robotic surgery.

Regarding the impact of these technologies, he explained that they provide capabilities to enhance vision, control tools, and perform precise tasks. They may help in conducting limited surgical interventions for suitable cases. However, measuring their impact on hospital stay and recovery requires monitoring results based on the type of surgery and patient condition, compared to alternatives according to clear scientific indicators.

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

The Ministry of Health has not limited its development of robot usage to within hospitals; its experience has extended to remote surgery, allowing specialized expertise to reach patients by linking different geographical locations within Kuwait and abroad.

The Deputy Minister of Health informed that the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center began performing remote robotic surgeries on December 20, 2024, completing 15 successful surgeries, including 12 international and three local surgeries via links within Kuwait.

The international surgeries were distributed as follows: eight from Shanghai, China; two from Strasbourg, France; one from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; and one from Padua, Italy. Patients at the center in Kuwait received care from the team present beside them.

He cited 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. This allowed for the presentation of national expertise and knowledge exchange regarding remote surgery applications.

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

Regarding performing surgery on a patient abroad, cooperation emerged between Al-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 the Guinness World Records on September 23, 2025, with a distance of 12,134.92 km between the patient and the surgeon. The cooperation also included a surgery performed by a team in Brazil on a patient in Kuwait, providing a model for cross-border collaborative surgery.

On the local level, cooperation between the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Al-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. This reflects the potential to expand the utilization of specialized expertise between institutions.

In November 2025, cooperation occurred between the Surgery Department at Farwaniya Hospital and the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center to treat a patient requiring gallbladder and left kidney removal. The gallbladder surgery was performed remotely from Farwaniya Hospital while the patient was at the center. Subsequently, the urology team at the center performed the kidney surgery, with a surgeon from the Farwaniya Hospital team present beside the patient, ready to intervene if necessary. This demonstrated clear roles, emergency preparedness, and team integration in such procedures.

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

Regarding strategic vision, investment, and regulation, he noted that developing robotic surgery is linked to enhancing integration between health 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 includes equipment, training, maintenance, and supporting facilities. Resource allocation should be linked to clinical need, usage efficiency, and outcomes, ensuring that technological expansion is coupled with sustainable operational capacity.

Regarding regulation, he emphasized the importance of clear qualification requirements, professional responsibility, and informed consent, specifically in cross-border surgery. Continuous regulatory compliance is essential to protect patient rights and define the responsibilities of participating parties.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah did not overlook the importance of graduated training, simulation, skill assessment, and knowledge exchange, involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technical teams. He noted that developing advanced simulation capabilities enables the preparation of cadres and training for emergency situations before dealing with them clinically.

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

He stated 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 surgeon’s location and the care team, respecting privacy, and listening to the patient’s experience.

The Deputy Minister of Health said that Kuwait’s ambition is to consolidate national medical capabilities that combine science, expertise, and responsibility, utilizing cooperation and technology to serve humanity. The fruits of progress should reflect on patient safety and quality of life, enhancing Kuwait’s reputation in the health sector.

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

(End) M.N.M / T.M