
Kuwait’s healthcare sector…
Solid legacy, qualitative leaps amid global challenges
KUWAIT, July 29, 2024, (KUNA) –(FANA)
The healthcare sector in Kuwait has witnessed some major qualitative leaps since before the independence of the country and continued until the present day with eyes on further development in the future to meet various challenges.
According to the Health Ministry’s website, the health sector in Kuwait can trace its legacy back to the early 20th century when the first health clinic was established in 1904 by the British, receiving at that time 3,976 patients and carrying out 186 operations including 24 major ones.
In 1912, the American Missionary Hospital was opened and in 1927 the first pharmacy, owned by Abdulatif bin Ibrahim Al-Duhaim, was established.
After the establishment of the Kuwait Public Health Department in 1936, the inaugural government clinic was opened in 1939, signaling a rapid development in health services.
In 1944, the first law regulating health service was founded, which included 14 articles.
In the era of the late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s first government hospital was opened named the Amiri Hospital and from thereon, Kuwait continue to take confident strides to boost health sector services throughout the country.
The State of Kuwait knew the importance of developing the skills of health staff, physicians, and Doctors of various specialties, sending in the process medical students and experts abroad to learn and bring their knowledge back to benefit the country.
The 1936-established public health department was refigured and became the Health Ministry in 1961, a step that led to the opening of several health facilities including the Al-Sabah Hospital in 1962.
In the 1980s and during the era of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, several general hospitals were inaugurated in Kuwait including Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Al-Farwaniya, Al-Adan, Al-Jahra, and Ibn Sina.
In 1984, the new Amiri hospital was opened in addition to numerous health facilities dedicated to an assortment of medical specialties.
In the modern era, the country had set its sights on boosting the health sector via the New Kuwait Vision 2035, a plan aimed at transforming Kuwait into a regional and international hub for commerce and investment.
The health portion of the vision is based on seven pillars, creating a base for 20 projects aimed at reinforcing and enhancing the health sector in the country.
Speaking in this regards to KUNA, Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said that the current progress in the health sector services came after devising well-thought plans and strategies aimed to serve citizens and residents alike.
The Health Ministry is aiming also at achieving sustainable health for all, securing health services for society and everyone, he affirmed.
He pointed out the Health Ministry was embarking on digital transformation and automation of services, providing the best treatment and medicine as well as countering any possible health crises. (end)
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