KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has unveiled groundbreaking achievements in the field of organ transplantation, setting unprecedented records in 2024 with 149 kidney transplants performed. This substantial milestone is attributed to enhanced healthcare services, including the inauguration of the Kuwait Center for kidney Diseases and Transplantation and the establishment of an organ transplantation department at Jaber Hospital. These initiatives are part of the national program for organ exchange among families, emphasizing the importance of expanded healthcare networks.
During the Fourth Gulf Conference on kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi highlighted the forthcoming launch of lung, heart, and liver transplant programs. Kuwait’s journey in kidney transplantation began decades ago, and its inspiring success story now places it among the leading nations in this medical discipline. The program’s exceptional achievements continue into 2024, with a record-breaking number of transplants signifying a vital progression in the nation’s healthcare system.
The recent opening of the Kuwait Center for kidney Diseases and Transplantation represents a significant advancement, housing specialized services for kidney disease care and patient support. This development reflects a broader strategy aimed at not only kidney transplantation but also advancing heart, lung, and liver transplant treatments in the near future. The Ministry of Health is committed to these specialized expansions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary healthcare development in the nation.
Currently, over 2,000 patients depend on dialysis, with 500 awaiting kidney transplants. Despite these advancements, the number of dialysis patients exceeds 2,500, with an annual increase of 10 to 12 percent. This disturbing trend underscores the critical need for early detection of kidney diseases, which affect 10 percent of the global population. In response, healthcare teams are intensifying their efforts to deliver optimal diagnostic and therapeutic services, adhering to the highest international standards.
