KUWAIT: Expatriate residents in Kuwait took part in a large-scale blood donation campaign organized by the Embassy of India and the Indian Doctors Forum on Saturday at the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center in Adan, marking World Blood Donor Day. The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s national blood transfusion system through infrastructure development, staff training, and expanding the donor base.

“We believe that donating blood is not merely a medical procedure, but a noble expression of belonging and compassion. It is also a sign of a society’s maturity and solidarity in facing health challenges,” Dr Al-Awadhi told reporters at the launch. He noted that June 14 is globally recognized as a day to honor voluntary and unpaid blood donors who contribute to saving lives and improving public health.

The campaign was attended by Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika, along with senior health officials including Dr Hanan Al-Awadhi, Acting Director of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr Hanan noted that donors from over 75 nationalities living in Kuwait contribute to campaigns year-round. She estimated that up to 200 donors would participate in this drive alone, reinforcing the strategic blood reserve needed for ongoing hospital care. “As long as there are patients in hospitals, the need for blood donations remains constant,” she said.

This is the second consecutive year that the Indian Embassy, in cooperation with the Indian Doctors Forum, has partnered with the Ministry of Health for such a campaign, she said. Ambassador Swaika said the campaign aimed to encourage a culture of voluntary blood donation. He noted that the Indian community has organized numerous similar initiatives in recent years, and expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support in facilitating such efforts. In 2024, various Indian community organizations collectively held over 50 blood donation drives across Kuwait, reflecting a broader trend of community involvement in health-related initiatives.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s education authorities have confirmed that schools and universities will continue operations as scheduled, with emergency plans activated to ensure the safety of students, educators, and administrative staff.

The statements come amid rising regional tension after the Zionist entity launched an unprovoked aerial bombing campaign on Iran Friday, striking military and nuclear facilities and reportedly killing dozens, including senior commanders and civilians. Iran responded with overnight missile and drone attacks on the Zionist entity, deepening instability across the region. Kuwaiti Authorities have moved swiftly to reassure the public that despite the volatile regional environment, academic operations—including final exams and the start of the summer term—will proceed without disruption, under heightened readiness and safety measures.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said on Saturday it is monitoring developments “closely and in continuous daily coordination with the relevant authorities.” The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff across its affiliated institutions. “Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal has directed all affiliated entities to activate emergency plans and raise readiness levels at all levels,” the ministry said in a statement. “It is crucial to maintain accurate and on-the-ground follow-up to ensure the safety of the academic community and the continuity of the educational process without interruption.”

Emergency teams in universities and research institutions are said to be highly prepared and in direct coordination with civil defense and other national agencies to enable immediate response measures if needed. The ministry reassured students and parents that the summer academic term will begin as planned on Sunday, with all safety protocols in place. “The summer semester will launch tomorrow as scheduled and in accordance with approved academic plans,” the ministry confirmed, adding that all educational institutions are on full alert to provide “a safe and stable learning environment.”

90 shelter centers

In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Education has announced the activation of field emergency plans and the readiness of 90 fully equipped shelter centers, currently under the supervision of civil defense teams. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei held a virtual meeting on Saturday with educational leadership to review school readiness and ongoing safety coordination. He emphasized the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration to maintain safety and educational continuity. “Emergency response teams in educational regions and schools are at a high level of readiness to respond to any incident,” the ministry said. “This ensures the safety of students during final exams and protects teaching and administrative staff, while allowing the educational process to continue smoothly.”

The ministry also confirmed that Grade 12 second-term final exams are proceeding without changes to the schedule. “The second-term exams for Grade 12 students are continuing according to the approved timetable, with no modifications,” the ministry said. “Exam operations and control procedures are running smoothly under the direct supervision of the minister and educational leadership.” Both ministries concluded their statements by assuring students and families that daily coordination with authorities is ongoing, and that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect the stability of the educational system. “We pray that Kuwait, its leadership, and its people remain safe and secure,” both ministries said in closing remarks. — Agencies

KUWAIT: As military attacks escalate between Iran and the Zionist entity, raising fears of nuclear safety risks across the region, Kuwaiti authorities have affirmed their full readiness to safeguard public health and water supplies. Officials confirmed that hospitals, clinics, desalination facilities, and power plants are all operating normally, with emergency protocols activated and strategic freshwater reserves steadily increasing.

The escalation began after the entity strikes targeted multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, including uranium enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, and a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan. While Iran has reported no radiation leaks, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected abnormal levels, global nuclear watchdogs have raised alarm over potential consequences. “Nuclear facilities must never be attacked,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned, adding that the strikes could have “grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”

Nuclear policy analyst Kelsey Davenport told AFP that there is “very little risk” of a harmful radiation release from enrichment sites like Natanz. However, she warned that an attack on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could “have a serious impact on health and the environment.”

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirmed that all power generation and water desalination operations are running normally under existing operational plans. “The ministry is fully prepared to deal with any emergency through an integrated plan that includes procedures to ensure the continuity of these vital services,” said ministry spokesperson Fatima Jawhar Hayat. “The strategic stockpile of freshwater is steadily growing, in addition to the availability of groundwater reserves, which strengthens the national system’s ability to endure and respond under different conditions.”

The ministry also encouraged the public to participate in the national conservation campaign “Waffer”, aimed at promoting more efficient consumption of electricity and water, especially in the current environment of heightened regional uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has activated its own emergency protocols. Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review preparedness plans and ensure service continuity across the healthcare sector. “Medical services are proceeding smoothly … medicines and medical supplies are readily available,” said ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad. “The Central Blood Bank has a sufficient reserve and continues to receive donors in accordance with the national readiness plan.” He confirmed that all hospitals and clinics are fully staffed and that health sector logistics are being continually updated to match potential demand.

Across the region, monitoring systems continue to report no signs of radiation leakage. Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment confirmed on Saturday that “no abnormal radiation levels” have been recorded in the kingdom, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Emergency Management Center announced on Friday that all radiation indicators across member states remain within “safe and permissible technical levels.” Authorities across the GCC have called on the public to remain calm, follow official guidance, and avoid spreading rumors or unverified information. — Agencies