Kuwait performs seventh successful heart transplant, marking milestone

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health has announced the successful completion of the seventh heart transplant in Kuwait, reaffirming the country’s growing stature in the field of organ transplantation and complex cardiac surgery. In a statement to the press, Ministry Spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the procedure was carried out by a national surgical team led by renowned consultant cardiac surgeon Professor Riyadh Al-Tarzi at the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center.

The achievement, he noted, reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to develop an integrated health system focused on enhancing organ transplant programs and specialized cardiac care. “This success embodies the competence of Kuwait’s medical professionals, who continue to demonstrate excellence in highly specialized fields,” Al-Sanad said. “It further reinforces Kuwait’s status as a regional hub for advanced cardiac surgery and organ transplantation.”

Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad

Medical staff

He added that the accomplishment underscores the Ministry’s strategic commitment to investing in national medical talent, supporting high-precision medical disciplines, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and professional distinction—pillars of Kuwait’s vision for sustainable health development. Professor Al-Tarzi, in a separate statement, revealed that the transplant was performed on a university student suffering from acute heart failure. The operation was successfully completed, and the patient is currently in stable condition, showing encouraging signs of recovery under continuous medical supervision.

“This operation was conducted within the framework of the national organ transplant program and in full coordination with the organ donation network,” Al-Tarzi said. He commended the comprehensive efforts of all medical and technical teams involved, whose collaboration was critical to the success of the complex procedure. He also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its continued trust and support, expressing appreciation for the close oversight provided by Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and Undersecretary Dr Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

Al-Tarzi praised the efforts of the multidisciplinary team, including cardiac surgeons Dr Ahmed Al-Shatti, Dr Samah Al-Kharji, and Dr Ahmed Al-Kharaza; heart failure specialists led by Dr Bader Al-Ayad; as well as anesthesiology and intensive care teams led by Dr Mohammed Shamsah. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy departments. The successful procedure marks another important step in Kuwait’s healthcare journey and highlights the nation’s capacity to deliver world-class medical care in specialized fields.— KUNA