Under the patronage of Kuwait University President Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, the conference titled “Next-Generation Healthcare – Integrating Imaging and Informatics for Collaborative Care” officially launched on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Salwa Al-Sabah Hall – Marina Hotel, and continues through February 13. The event was organized and overseen by the College of Allied Health Sciences at Kuwait University with the participation of prominent figures in the field of allied health sciences, academic experts, researchers, healthcare practitioners, professionals and staff in allied and administrative medical departments, and ambassadors and representatives of sister countries. The conference aims to explore the latest advancements in next-generation healthcare and highlight innovative approaches to integrating allied health professions, with participation from both public and private sectors, including medical associations, laboratories, and private hospitals.

The conference began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Hamad Al-Hamad, Assistant Professor and faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the College of Allied Health Sciences, who emphasized that the event represents a dynamic platform bringing together academics, researchers, and decision-makers to build a robust healthcare system. He noted that the organizing committee, under the supervision of Acting Dean of the College, Dr. Mohammed Shaaban Nadhar, successfully prepared a rich scientific program addressing the evolving challenges in the healthcare sector.
 

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Prof. Mohammed Al-Mulla, Acting Vice President for Academic Support Services, delivered a speech on behalf of University President Prof. Dina Al-Mailem, stating:
“This conference offers a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas, expanding networks, and highlighting innovative methods of integrating supported allied health professions. It also addresses the latest developments in medical imaging and health informatics.”
He stressed that the conference seeks to improve the quality of healthcare in Kuwait in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to develop a more efficient, sustainable health system and enhance collaboration among health professionals. He expressed hope that the event would foster productive discussions and meaningful collaboration in pursuit of a better healthcare future powered by AI and innovation.

Dr. Mohammed Shaaban Nadhar added that the conference aligns with the state's developmental plans inspired by the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and continues to be implemented under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the current government. He highlighted the conference’s focus on improving healthcare quality by preparing qualified national professionals capable of keeping pace with scientific progress and linking technology and artificial intelligence with allied medical sciences.
He further stated:
“Strengthening technological collaboration across medical professions will enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, ensuring the delivery of the highest level of patient care.”

From her side, Dr. Elham Al-Dosari, Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Allied Health Sciences and Chair of the Conference, affirmed that Kuwait University continues to be a distinguished academic institution, setting a high standard through its scientific and practical contributions. She noted that the conference explores the latest in healthcare developments and technological advancements, and the impact of innovation and AI on the quality of medical services delivered to society, led by the pioneering College of Allied Health Sciences.
 

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Dr. Al-Dosari explained:
“With advancements in artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and big data, we can now provide more accurate and effective healthcare services. The purpose of this conference is to develop sustainable solutions for the future of healthcare for the next generation through carefully designed activities and workshops, including interactive scientific sessions and specialized panel discussions.”
She added:
“Caring for the next generation requires us all to focus on personalized medicine, healthcare sustainability, and the seamless integration of modern technology into medical services, ensuring healthcare becomes more comprehensive and innovative.”

Dr. Laila Ghadanfar, Acting Head of the Radiology Department at the College, and Chair of the Scientific Committee stated that the conference was held to strengthen collaboration between health and academic institutions and contribute to improving the quality of healthcare. She pointed out that progress in healthcare comes through the integration of imaging and health informatics, enhanced workflow efficiency, reduced errors via smart systems, and promoting R&D through large-scale databases combining imaging and health data. Such integration enhances innovation and supports a healthcare system that meets national aspirations.

A visual presentation was shown during the conference, featuring a video introducing the College of Allied Health Sciences, reflecting Kuwait University’s vision to enhance scientific research in alignment with healthcare developments and challenges.
 

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Mulla, Vice President for Academic Support Services, honored Dr. Mohammed Shaaban, Acting Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, and Dr. Elham Al-Dosari, Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies and Chair of the Next-Generation Healthcare Conference, in recognition of their outstanding leadership and continuous efforts in overseeing the conference. Additionally, a group of distinguished specialists, experts, and researchers in the field of medical sciences from various sister countries were also honored, including:
•    A Professor from the Department of Information Technology and Computing, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University – Qatar
•    Dr. Kalthoum Al-Bloushi, Head of Innovation and Director of the Training and Development Center at the UAE Health Services Authority
•    Dr. Mohammed Rawashidah, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Gulf Medical University – Ajman
•    Director of Healthcare Quality Analytics, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 

Sponsors of the conference were also recognized for their deep commitment to healthcare development and enhancing the quality of health services:
•    Advanced Technology Company (ATC)
•    Al-Dabbous Medical Company
•    ATCO Technology Company