Kuwait Health Minister emphasizes reconstructive role of plastic surgery

Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi stated during the opening of the Kuwait Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Conference 2026 that plastic surgery is a fundamental medical specialty. He emphasized that the field extends beyond aesthetic procedures to include critical roles in treating burns, repairing tissue after injuries, addressing congenital defects, and reconstruction following tumor removals.

The conference, organized by the Saud Al-Babtain Burn and Plastic Surgery Center under the theme ‘Between East and West,’ features international medical experts and researchers. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the center's impact since its founding in 1991, noting it treats over 20,000 patients annually and performs more than 1,200 advanced surgeries using national expertise.

Discussions at the event also focused on the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics in surgical planning, training, and practice. While acknowledging these technological advancements, the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining responsible medical supervision, ensuring patient data protection, and evaluating the safety and effectiveness of such tools.