KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi embarked on a visit to Istanbul, during which he toured the largest hospital in the city and a prominent Turkish pharmaceutical factory. The purpose of this visit is to explore avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the enhancement of pharmaceutical security.

Dr Awadhi met officials of the International Health Services Corporation (USHAS) of the Turkish ministry of health while attending the Turkish Medical Conference in Istanbul. Their discussions centered on various areas of cooperation in the realm of healthcare services. This included topics such as medical treatment for patients abroad, the exchange of technical expertise, the procurement of medications and medical supplies and other matters of mutual interest. They agreed to establish a mechanism for ongoing communication and understanding on various health-related issues.

During the visit, Dr Awadhi, in coordination with USHAS, toured a Turkish pharmaceutical factory. He was briefed on the factory’s significant services and products, which are involved in collaborations with several countries worldwide.

Additionally, Dr Awadhi and his accompanying delegation, which included the assistant undersecretary for foreign health services affairs and the assistant undersecretary for drugs and medical equipment affairs, visited Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura Sehir Hastanesi. This hospital, operated by the Turkish government, is one of the largest in Istanbul and boasts a bed capacity exceeding 4,000, including over 400 intensive care beds. It serves around 100,000 patients daily.

At the hospital, Dr Awadhi received a presentation on the healthcare services and various medical departments it offers. He also learned about the potential services that the Turkish ministry of health, through USHAS, can provide. The discussions focused on the exchange of experiences and the potential for collaborative efforts between Kuwait, represented by the ministry of health, and the Turkish healthcare system.