Health Ministry: Enhancing precision medicine and targeted therapy to improve patient care

Dr. Muntaser Al-Husawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Public Health Affairs, affirmed the Ministry’s support for precision medicine and targeted therapies, and for enhancing comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses patients’ physical, psychological, and human needs, in line with scientific and medical advancements. This support aims to improve the efficiency of health services and enhance treatment outcomes.

This statement was made by Dr. Al-Husawi during the opening of the Second Scientific Conference on Proliferative Blood Diseases, organized by the Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Association in collaboration with Jabir Al-Ahmad Hospital. The conference brings together experts, researchers, and specialists from within and outside Kuwait to discuss the latest developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of proliferative blood diseases.

Dr. Al-Husawi stated that specialized scientific conferences serve as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, expertise, and clinical skills, and for discussing challenges facing medical specialties, leading to practical recommendations that contribute to the development of the health system and the improvement of the quality of services provided to patients.

He explained that modern medical practices are shifting toward precision medicine and targeted therapies, which rely on designing treatment plans tailored to the individual, genetic, and molecular characteristics of each patient, rather than relying on a uniform treatment for all patients with the same disease. He added that this approach enhances the likelihood of improving treatment efficacy and outcomes, while reducing side effects and complications, thereby positively impacting patients’ health and quality of life.

He pointed out that another shift involves moving from a focus on treating the disease to providing comprehensive patient care that goes beyond medical and laboratory indicators and test results. This holistic care includes quality of life, satisfaction with health services, alleviation of symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment, and consideration of psychological and human aspects. He emphasized that the Ministry of Health is working to promote the implementation of these concepts in its health facilities, recognizing the importance of keeping pace with scientific developments and delivering patient-centered care that addresses patients’ needs.

Exchanging expertise and developing clinical practices

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Abdul-Karim, Conference Chairman, affirmed that the participation of experts and specialists aims to strengthen collaboration and renew communication among medical professionals, and to exchange knowledge and expertise that support the development of the field of blood diseases and their treatment in the region. He clarified that the organizing committee was keen to continue the momentum of the first conference through meetings and scientific sessions, driven by the efforts of the scientific committee members, and expressed his hope for further progress and impact in the medical field in the coming period.

Dr. Abdul-Karim stressed that the physician’s role extends beyond providing treatment to giving patients hope and reassurance, helping them face the disease with confidence, and improving the quality of life for both patients and their families. He affirmed that this responsibility embodies the human dimension of the medical profession.

He extended his gratitude to the State of Kuwait and its leadership, the Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Association, Jabir Al-Ahmad Hospital, the Rising Beacon Foundation, and care partners for their support in organizing the conference.

Expanding scientific and awareness programs

For his part, Dr. [Name not provided], Vice President of the Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Association, said

Ahmed Al-Harajji stated that since its establishment in 2023, the Association has set a goal of serving as a scientific platform that brings together hematology specialists in Kuwait, connects them with the latest global scientific developments, and provides support to patients and their families. He clarified that the Association has collaborated with the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to organize scientific activities that bring global expertise to Kuwait and enhance knowledge exchange among specialists. It also launched the “How I Treat” series, which allows experts to present their scientific and practical approaches to managing medical cases, thereby helping physicians benefit from advanced expertise and apply best clinical practices.

He added that the Association organizes specialized conferences and meetings, including the “Controversies in Hematology and Oncology” conference, which discusses contentious issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers. This initiative fosters evidence-based scientific dialogue and aids in reaching more accurate clinical decisions.

Al-Harajji noted that the Association’s activities also encompass patients and their families, pointing out that half of its board members, as he mentioned, are patients and their relatives, thereby strengthening their participation in defining the Association’s objectives and developing its initiatives. He highlighted the organization of awareness workshops designed to help patients and their families understand the nature of diseases, treatment options, and ways to cope with related challenges. Additionally, the Association has launched social media platforms and WhatsApp groups to answer inquiries and provide necessary information, emphasizing that patient awareness is a crucial factor in their active participation in the treatment journey.

Al-Harajji affirmed that the conference takes place amid rapid advancements in understanding the molecular biology of proliferative blood diseases, risk assessment, and the development of appropriate treatment options for each case. He expressed hope that the conference sessions would deepen knowledge, facilitate expertise exchange, and enhance collaboration among specialists, thereby supporting the quality of healthcare provided to patients.