KUWAIT: Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub praised the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its unwavering support of the Palestinian people in Gaza throughout the Zionist aggression. He was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference held by KRCS and National Bank of Kuwait to announce the conclusion of a training course for doctors and anesthesiologists, aiming to prepare them to support Gaza’s deteriorating medical sector.
“The aid and assistance extended by Kuwait, from the outset of the conflict until now, are a source of immense pride for the nation. The recent initiative by the Red Crescent to train Kuwaiti doctors to provide medical assistance in Gaza is particularly noteworthy, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and solidarity with those in need,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visiting delegation of British surgeons and anesthetists volunteering with the David Nott Foundation, a UK medical charity specializing in training doctors working in conflict and natural disaster zones, concluded the delivery of two ‘Hostile Environment Surgical Training’ courses to more than 30 Kuwaiti medics who are set to deploy to Gaza. These courses, hosted at NBK’s headquarters, were facilitated and funded in partnership with the British Embassy of Kuwait and KRCS to equip participating Kuwaiti medics with vital trauma surgery and anesthesia skills that will help them save lives when they deploy to Gaza.
“This week’s training is a great example of the UK and Kuwait’s partnership in action. One of the core values we share is our commitment to humanitarian assistance, and I sincerely hope the specialist skills participating medics will have acquired can help them alleviate the dreadful suffering in Gaza. On behalf of the British Embassy, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, who have joined us to help fund and facilitate the David Nott Foundation’s delivery of both courses, the National Bank of Kuwait for providing the venue, the Kuwaiti government for their support, and, of course, the British surgeons and anesthetists who so generously volunteered their time over the past week,” British Chargé d’affaires to Kuwait Sunny Ahmed said.
“Recognized by the UN as a Humanitarian Center and embodying the values of charity and humanity, Kuwait is a natural partner for the David Nott Foundation. This week we have trained 22 surgeons and 10 anesthetists in partnership with the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society and the British Embassy Kuwait,” Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation Elly Nott said. “These medics have been trained in surgical skills essential for saving life and limb as they contribute to relief campaigns and humanitarian initiatives in the region. There is sadly no end of need for their skills in the world at present and we look forward to further collaboration with our colleagues here in Kuwait for the benefit of those who suffer in conflict,” he added.
Associate Professor of Surgery at Kuwait University Dr Mohammad Jamal emphasized to Kuwait Times the profound significance of the Palestinian cause to the Kuwaiti people, underscoring the importance of the training course in equipping surgeons to provide vital medical care in Gaza, where it aimed to diversify the expertise of surgeons, expanding their specialization to include obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, burns and other critical areas essential for wartime medical care.
Reflecting on their experiences in Gaza, he highlighted that the danger faced by doctors in Gaza doesn’t compare to the hardships endured by the Palestinian people. “Despite initial fear, upon witnessing the resilience of the people, we felt reassured and welcomed. Despite the ongoing war, we were honored by the hospitality we received, where they gave us thyme and dukkah,” he said.