KUWAIT: The Medical Liability Authority (MLA) announced Kuwait’s official accession to the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), underscoring the country’s commitment to enhancing its global presence in medical regulation and advancing the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035. In a statement to KUNA, MLA President Dr. Salman Al-Sabah described the membership as a milestone in Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international standing in medical governance and actively contribute to the development of global health regulation policies.
Dr. Al-Sabah highlighted that Kuwait aims to exchange expertise with leading international bodies, implement initiatives that enhance regulatory standards, safeguard patient rights, protect healthcare professionals, and improve overall healthcare service quality. He affirmed the country’s dedication to translating international knowledge into practical policies for the local health system, marking the start of a long-term collaboration with the global community in legislative development and policy shaping. Established in 2000, IAMRA is a leading global authority in medical governance. With Kuwait’s accession, the association now comprises 46 member states, providing a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and influencing international healthcare policies.
In another development, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched its annual seasonal winter vaccination campaign for the tenth consecutive year, as part of its strategy to prevent seasonal diseases and safeguard public health, the ministry’s official spokesman, Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad, announced on Monday. Dr Al-Sanad explained that combating seasonal viruses and bacteria, including influenza and pneumococcal infections, is a key priority of Kuwait’s health system. These microbes typically become active from mid-September to May, with peak activity between October and March.
He highlighted that these diseases can cause serious complications for children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immunity. The ministry has provided updated influenza vaccines and a newly developed pneumococcal vaccine covering 20 bacterial types, offering protection against severe illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis.
More than 2.5 million vaccine doses have been made available this year, demonstrating the MoH’s commitment to public health. Dr Al-Sanad noted that vaccines are accessible at over 75 locations across all governorates through preventive health departments in primary care centers and public hospitals, with 15 additional sites added this year to expand coverage. He urged all citizens and residents, particularly high-risk groups, to receive the vaccines free of charge to protect both themselves and the community. — KUNA
