Health Minister: We Continue to Expand Development of Gastrointestinal and Liver Services
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi emphasizes keeping pace with developments in treating gastrointestinal and liver diseases during the opening of the fourth conference of the Kuwait Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi confirmed on Friday that the Ministry is committed to keeping pace with rapid developments in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as well as investing in national cadres and supporting training and scientific research to enhance the quality of healthcare provided to patients. This statement was made by Minister Al-Awadi during his opening address at 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 to diagnose complex cases and provide the latest advanced treatment options with minimal surgical intervention. He highlighted key medical achievements realized by Al-Amiri, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Jabir Al-Ahmad, Farwaniya, Sabah, and Adan hospitals, as well as specialized centers, over the past year, noting that more than 2,000 advanced interventional endoscopy procedures and 1,200 cases using endoscopic ultrasound were performed.
He added that notable successes included the first endoscopic transgastric biliary drainage procedure without surgery at Jabir Al-Ahmad Hospital, as well as liver transplants and treatments for tumors and polyps using the latest interventional techniques. He emphasized that these achievements are not merely numbers or procedures, but are underpinned by dedicated medical, nursing, and technical staff working as a cohesive team to serve patients.
For her part, Dr. Hiba Al-Farhan, President of the Kuwait Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association and Conference Chair, stated in a similar address that Kuwait’s hosting of this scientific event, coinciding with the First Gulf Meeting on Gastrointestinal Diseases, represents a significant milestone in the journey of joint medical efforts and enhances the country’s standing as a hub for scientific cooperation and the exchange of medical expertise regionally and internationally.
She noted that the gathering brings together an elite group of experts, doctors, and specialists from 10 countries: Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, reflecting the conference’s scientific stature 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. The program also featured sessions and lectures presenting the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
