The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) took part in the inauguration of the Child Developmental and Behavioral Medicine Unit at Farwaniya Hospital on October 27, marking a significant step in the advancement of pediatric healthcare services in Kuwait. The unit was launched as part of the National Early Childhood Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Health aimed at enhancing early detection and intervention for children’s developmental and behavioral needs.
This newly established unit is the first of its kind in Kuwait, integrating various medical and rehabilitative specialties—including physical, occupational, speech, language, swallowing, and psychological therapies—under one framework. This approach facilitates coordinated assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for children, improving access to comprehensive care in a single location. It also underscores the initiative’s objective of supporting children's healthy growth and behavioral development through a multidisciplinary and family-centered approach.
The Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at Farwaniya Hospital operates in partnership with Kuwait University, offering diagnostic, treatment, follow-up, and research services for children aged one to 14. The clinic focuses on a range of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning difficulties. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team employing an integrative method designed to address the specific needs of both children and their families.
The Ministry of Health continues to promote the developmental screening program for children across Kuwait, which aims to monitor children’s growth and identify any delays or developmental challenges early on. Early intervention, the ministry emphasizes, is crucial for improving long-term health and educational outcomes. Complementing these services is the "Bida" application, a digital tool designed to help families monitor developmental milestones and access relevant health and awareness resources.
The inauguration event included participation from pediatricians, neonatologists, nursing staff, and childcare providers from Farwaniya Hospital, featuring an open panel discussion and presentations on the unit’s services, the “Bida” app, and the national developmental screening program.
Farah Bastaki, Associate Vice President for Social Media and Digital Communications at NBK, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting child health initiatives. She described the National Early Childhood Initiative as a model public-private partnership aimed at empowering families with knowledge and tools to support children’s development during critical early years. Bastaki emphasized the importance of early intervention and the role of continuous monitoring in improving children’s quality of life.
NBK’s involvement reflects its broader dedication to social responsibility, particularly within the healthcare sector, where it has supported numerous health and rehabilitation projects. The bank aims to maintain its leadership in fostering national initiatives that promote sustainability and social development priorities in Kuwait.