Health Minister: Continuing Development of Obstetrics and Gynecology Services to Global Standards

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi confirmed today, Thursday, that women’s, maternal, and child health constitute a fundamental pillar of societal health and stability. He noted that the Ministry continues to develop gynecology and obstetrics services, enhance the quality of healthcare, and provide the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities in accordance with international standards.

This statement was made by Minister Al-Awadi during his speech at the opening of the 28th Conference on Gynecology and Obstetrics, organized by the Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Farwaniya Hospital under the theme “Shaping the Future of Women’s Health.” The three-day conference features participation by a select group of medical experts and consultants from Kuwait and abroad.

Minister Al-Awadi expressed pride in the landmark medical achievements attained by state hospitals. He highlighted that Farwaniya Hospital successfully performed five robotic surgeries to treat early-stage uterine tumors. Additionally, he noted the success of remote robotic surgery, achieved through joint collaboration between the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Jahra Hospital, which enabled three surgeries for patients with uterine cancer.

He explained that these achievements reflect the competence of national cadres and the utilization of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to serve patients. He emphasized the integration of specialized expertise among healthcare institutions and the ability to leverage modern technologies to maximize the benefits of advanced human resources.

The minister pointed out the distinction of Kuwaiti hospitals in the fields of fertility and reproductive medicine, infertility treatment, and IVF (test-tube babies). He affirmed the vital role of the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties and specialized training programs in gynecology and obstetrics in preparing qualified generations of physicians.

Minister Al-Awadi stated that the progress achieved does not diminish the magnitude of the responsibility. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, it would have been possible to save the lives of more than 700 women who died daily in 2023 due to pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes. He added that infertility affects approximately one in six people during their lifetime, underscoring the importance of continuing and developing care, enhancing prevention, early diagnosis, and expanding access to maternal health and rescue services.

For her part, Dr. Amal Al-Khader, Head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Departments and Conference Chair, stated in a similar address that women’s health represents the backbone of society and the foundation of its advancement. She noted the expansion of advanced laparoscopic surgeries and the training of physicians in (VNOTES) techniques, with approximately 56 cases performed at Farwaniya Hospital. The aim is to adopt these modern techniques and surgeries to reduce medical complications and enable women to quickly return to their normal lives with activity and confidence.

She highlighted the medical achievements of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Farwaniya Hospital in saving fetuses, performing fetal blood transfusions, and leading in precise surgeries, including performing the first robotic surgeries for early-stage uterine cancer in the department’s gynecology and obstetrics unit, all of which were successful without significant complications.

Dr. Al-Khader also outlined the most prominent landmark medical achievements of the health sector, including the success of the new Maternity Hospital in performing the first precise laparoscopic surgery on a fetus in utero to treat myelomeningocele. This achievement was made possible through national cooperation and global partnerships with King’s College Hospital in the UK.