In a groundbreaking development, Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, officially inaugurated the Public Health Laboratory for Viruses, a pioneering facility recognized as the first of its kind globally. This innovative lab sets a new global standard by integrating electronic connectivity and advanced information systems, positioning Kuwait at the forefront of medical technology.
During the inauguration, Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that the laboratory processes various types of samples, including those from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, expatriate labor examinations, food handlers’ exams, and medical council and marriage tests. The lab is now handling approximately 10,000 samples daily, a significant leap from previous semi-manual processes. With this new facility, all samples will be processed automatically through state-of-the-art devices, ensuring faster, more accurate results with minimal human intervention. This automation will dramatically reduce errors and improve the overall quality of healthcare services provided to the public.
Dr. Al-Awadhi also highlighted the important collaboration with the private sector, which has helped provide cutting-edge medical equipment in line with international standards to ensure the safety and quality of healthcare services in Kuwait.
Dr. Sarah Al-Qabandi, Head of Public Health Laboratories, elaborated on the lab’s advanced automatic systems that track samples from withdrawal to results without human involvement. This system enhances accuracy and speeds up diagnosis, providing real-time tracking of blood test samples.
The project also introduced the innovative GLP system, the first of its kind, which integrates five systems to automate the process. Faisal Al-Muajjel, the agent of the company responsible for the project, explained that this new technology would enable rapid and efficient diagnosis of epidemic diseases in smaller spaces, making Kuwait a regional and international health reference.
Additionally, the system allows comprehensive tracking of sample transportation, ensuring that each sample’s temperature, location, and safety are monitored from collection to laboratory analysis, providing full transparency and ensuring the reliability of results.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a major step forward in enhancing Kuwait’s public health capabilities and maintaining its position as a leader in medical innovation on the global stage.
