KUWAIT CITY — Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized the need for greater cooperation between healthcare facilities and civil society organizations in addressing urological diseases during the opening of the 19th Annual Conference of the Kuwait Urological Association on October 30. The two-day event brought together leading doctors, experts, and researchers from Kuwait and several other countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Italy.
Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted that combating urological conditions requires more than just treatment; it involves raising public awareness, promoting preventive measures, and encouraging regular screenings tailored to age and risk factors. He stressed that sharing knowledge and expertise is vital for advancing medical practice and for discussing the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary and reproductive system disorders.
The minister also praised Kuwait’s medical teams working within Ministry of Health hospitals, which offer comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical urology services through specialized clinics and operating rooms staffed by qualified national professionals. He drew attention to the country's achievements in the use of robotic surgery, noting that over 2,000 robotic operations have been performed at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center to date. The center began conducting remote robotic surgeries in December 2024, completing 12 international procedures alongside three locally connected operations within Kuwait. These advances, according to Dr. Al-Awadhi, demonstrate the effective utilization of cutting-edge technologies while maintaining high standards of safety and quality care.
The conference chairman and President of the Kuwait Urological Association, Dr. Faisal Al-Hajri, said this year’s event concentrated on male infertility and innovative treatments for prostate enlargement. The discussions included a range of therapeutic approaches, such as conventional surgery, robotic procedures, and endoscopic techniques. He noted that the conference had attracted a significantly larger number of Kuwaiti medical professionals compared to previous years, underscoring the association's ongoing support for national medical talent and its dedication to highlighting local expertise in specialized urological fields.
Participants from several friendly and neighboring countries contributed to the conference, facilitating an exchange of experiences and the exploration of new technological advancements and innovations in urological surgery. Dr. Al-Hajri described the event as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among professionals in the region and beyond to enhance the understanding and treatment of urological diseases.