The field of organ transplantation in Kuwait has recently faced challenges due to accusations made by a member of parliament. This has led to a temporary halt in cooperation with the prestigious “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi” for liver transplantation. The doctors involved in organ transplantation have expressed concerns about hidden agendas seeking to distort Kuwait’s reputation in this critical field.
Dr. Mustafa Al-Moussawi, President of the Kuwaiti Society for Organ Transplantation, and the Head of the Organ Provision Unit at the Ministry of Health, have emphasized that the Society is dedicated to promoting organ donation and operates under the supervision of relevant authorities. They have also highlighted the fact that some individuals manipulate facts and make baseless accusations for personal gain.
Following the accusations made by the member of parliament, cooperation with the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for liver transplantation has been suspended. The Organ Transplantation Society has filed a complaint accusing the clinic of trafficking, and the matter is currently under investigation by the prosecution.
Specialized doctors have stressed the urgent need to support and enhance organ transplantation operations in Kuwait. Doing so will not only alleviate the burden on the state but also save lives through organ donation. In 2023 alone, 130 kidney transplant operations are expected to take place in the country, with half of them involving post-mortem donors.
The practice of organ donation after death has been gaining traction in Kuwait. The total number of donors in the country has seen an increase, with 2,000 young men and women registering to donate organs after death this year. It is crucial to note that health issues should not be exploited for electoral gain, and the medical community categorically rejects such actions.
Dr. Al-Moussawi has outlined the various organs involved in transplant operations, including the heart, lung, liver, pancreas, intestines for children, corneas, and parts of arteries. To further develop the field of organ transplantation, he recently met with the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, and proposed the formation of a committee comprising specialists in the field. The Minister has agreed to this initiative, which aims to educate citizens about the importance of organ transplantation and encourage them to donate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Religious and legal perspectives on organ transplantation will also be highlighted.
Since 1996, Kuwait has been sharing organs that are not transplanted domestically with organ transplant centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In late 2021, this collaboration extended to the United Arab Emirates. Instead of burying organs that are not needed in Kuwait, they are now being utilized to save lives in neighboring countries.
Dr. Muhammad Jamal, a Kuwait University Professor and Consultant Surgeon, has lamented the consequences of the accusations made by the member of parliament. Cooperation between Kuwait and Gulf countries has been disrupted, affecting the last two cases involving liver, heart, and lung transplants.
However, in response to widespread support for organ transplant operations, the Ministry of Health has taken action. They have reached out to the UAE Ambassador to resume the cooperation program that was temporarily halted due to the representative’s accusations. A memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation in the field of organ transplantation has been presented by the UAE ambassador to Kuwait’s Minister of Health, and it is expected to be signed soon to ensure continued collaboration without any pretexts.
MP Shuaib Shaaban has emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Kuwait and Gulf countries in the field of organ transplantation. Efforts are underway to complete the necessary steps to advance this collaboration.
Despite the challenges faced, the medical community in Kuwait remains committed to promoting organ transplantation and saving lives through the selfless act of organ donation. By addressing the accusations and working towards stronger partnerships, Kuwait aims to continue its progress in this vital field.
Source: TimesKuwait
