KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health affirmed its keenness to perform its humanitarian mission in addressing human trafficking from several aspects, through the services it provides to victims in cooperation with concerned authorities. The Ministry’s official spokesperson, Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad, said on the occasion of the World Day against Human Trafficking on July 30, that the legal and security teams are present around the clock at the Ministry of Health facilities.

Al-Sanad pointed to the Ministry’s cooperation with the concerned government agencies in the Permanent National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, which develops the necessary plans and strategies to provide the necessary protection for victims. He stated that the Ministry provides services in this regard, such as providing medical services at the shelters. Other services include transportation service and ambulances equipped with the latest medical devices in accordance with international standards.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad

He pointed out that doctors always inform the competent security authorities about the cases of patients who are victims of human trafficking so as to strengthen the capabilities of medical and nursing staff on how to deal with such people. The Ministry also conducts laboratory tests and x-rays for trafficking victims in the shelters and gives them seasonal vaccinations. Al-Sanad stressed legislators’ keenness to provide safety and to consolidate the provisions and principles of Islamic law, prohibiting selling or buying body organs by any means and preventing doctors from performing organ removal. The Ministry’s hotline number (147) can be called to report cases of child abuse or exposure to any illegal acts. — KUNA