
This technology could change forensics forever — and Kuwait is leading the charge
Brig. Al‑Awadhi underscored the department's decisive involvement in major criminal cases solved within record time, including the Imam Al‑Sadiq Mosque bombing, the Hawally 'monster' case involving approximately 18 child rape offenses, and the Jahra wedding tent fire that tragically claimed around 57 lives.
He detailed the department's methodical approach: examining the crime scene, transporting the body to the morgue for a thorough autopsy, followed by a comprehensive medical report that scientifically clarifies the cause of death. These findings are coordinated with investigative authorities to inform legal proceedings.
Highlighting future enhancements, Brig. Al‑Awadhi announced ongoing efforts to align Kuwait's forensic sciences with international standards. A key initiative includes plans to introduce a virtual autopsy—or "virtopsy"—utilizing advanced imaging like CT and MRI scans to examine bodies without surgical dissection, a non‑invasive alternative being adopted in other countries.
He revealed that the department is on the verge of earning multiple international quality certifications—ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 13485:2016 for medical device standards—underscoring its commitment to meeting rigorous global benchmarks in forensic service delivery and equipment handling.
The Forensic Medicine Department comprises several specialized divisions:
Living Examination Department: Assesses and documents injuries in cases of assault.n
Mortality Examination Department: Determines causes of death, analyzes toxins and injuries.n
Pathology or Tissue Examination Department: Investigates tissue-level alterations to ascertain cause of death.n
Specialized Clinics Department: Includes radiology, ophthalmology, and dentistry specialists.n
Follow-up and Coordination Department: Manages administrative workflows and inter-departmental communication.n
Brig. Al‑Awadhi outlined that forensic reports guide criminal investigations by accurately determining critical elements such as time and cause of death, injury patterns, links to crime scenes, and suspect identification—all based on scientific data.
He further explained that the GDCE's forensic system can be mobilized for complex cases involving fires or advanced decomposition. In such instances, a multidiscipline task force applies strict protocols and coordinated analysis to deliver prompt and reliable results.
Recognizing challenges such as caseload pressure, the need for precision, and confidentiality, the department has established a Quality Control Department and a Coordination Unit. It has also introduced a secure G2G messaging system to transmit forensic reports electronically and discreetly, reducing reliance on paper-based procedures.
In support of digital transformation, the department is integrating services with the Ministry of Interior's 'Sahel' application. Upcoming features will allow citizens and residents to receive notifications relating to civil and medical legal processes—including appointment scheduling and case status—enhancing transparency and procedural efficiency.
The department is evaluating adoption of virtopsy technology—a forensic imaging system that uses CT and MRI to simulate autopsy findings without dissection. This method has gained traction internationally due to its ability to preserve the integrity of the body and facilitate faster, non-invasive investigations—especially relevant in settings with cultural sensitivities regarding autopsies
Brig. Al‑Awadhi also praised the leadership of Sheikh Fahad Al‑Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for championing modernization of the forensic sector. He emphasized that Sheikh Al‑Yousef's support is central to the department's development — providing the latest crime detection technologies, promoting continuous professional training, and fostering integration with other Ministry sectors to ensure rapid, transparent justice.
Through these efforts, Kuwait's Forensic Medicine Department is advancing toward international leadership in forensic science — enhancing its role as a crucial pillar in both the security and judicial systems.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Vicious Assault on Two Doctors in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 23: The legal representative of the Kuwait Medical Association, Attorney Elaf Al-Saleh, has strongly condemned the assault on two doctors by an individual as they were leaving their workplace after completing their duties. Al-Saleh described the attack as a flagrant violation of both legal and moral standards, emphasizing that it constitutes a full-fledged crime under Kuwaiti law. She stressed that such acts not only harm the doctors involved but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the healthcare sector as a whole. 'This assault is a direct affront to the principles of professional and workplace security, and stands in stark contrast to the ethical and humanitarian values that define any civilized society,' she said. Highlighting the gravity of the incident, Al-Saleh noted that what makes the attack even more egregious is that it targeted medical professionals who were simply fulfilling their sacred duty to save lives and relieve human suffering. She confirmed that all necessary legal actions—both criminal and civil—have been initiated against the perpetrator.
Kuwait Times
3 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
MoH highlights achievements, digital services
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres, said ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference held at the Government Communication Center, Dr Al-Sanad reviewed the ministry's latest projects and achievements, including digital service enhancements and expansions in medical infrastructure across Kuwait. He noted that several major projects are already operational or set to open soon, including the Al-Mutlaa Emergency Center, the Infectious Diseases Hospital and the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has also been relocated from Al-Adan Hospital to the newly established Maternity and Childhood Hospital. Al-Sanad highlighted progress on the new Al-Adan Hospital project, comprising nine buildings providing various healthcare services. He elaborated on the ministry's ongoing approach of developing specialized medical cities, such as the Ahmadi and Al-Sabah medical zones, which aim to offer integrated care through clusters of specialized hospitals within specific geographic areas, minimizing patient travel and enhancing healthcare accessibility. Among other key initiatives, Al-Sanad announced the launch of the First Responder Project on July 10. The project features 28 medical units that handled 70 emergency cases during their first week of operation. He described the project as a significant upgrade to Kuwait's emergency response system and a step toward improving response times and care quality. The Visiting Doctors Program continues to expand, with 140 specialists visiting Kuwait to offer high-level medical care and contribute to training local staff. This initiative reflects the ministry's strategy of leveraging international medical expertise while enhancing local capabilities. KUWAIT: Medical experts and participants are pictured during the press conference. Ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the Ministry of Health is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres. – KUNA Further developments include the inauguration of a new MRI wing at Al-Razi Hospital, which doubled diagnostic capacity, and the opening of a medical center at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing. Al-Sanad added that 13 specialized health centers have been established at all border points, and 20 defibrillator devices have been installed at Kuwait International Airport to improve emergency response times for cardiac arrest cases. To support this initiative, a training program has been launched in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure airport staff can effectively use the devices. The ministry's emergency departments handled around 200,000 cases in January 2025 alone, Al-Sanad said, noting that 117 primary care centers operate across the country. Of these, 30 percent are open 24/7, 30 percent operate until midnight on weekdays, 9 percent until midnight daily, and 28 percent close at 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday. In terms of outpatient services, Kuwait currently operates 38 maternity and childhood clinics, 72 mental health clinics, 35 preventive health centers, 20 ophthalmology clinics, and 18 ENT clinics. Emergency medical services responded to 86,860 urgent and non-urgent cases in the first half of 2025. Ambulances transported 72,236 patients, including 50,301 urgent cases, 21,935 non-urgent cases, 5,068 traffic accident victims, and 420 airlifted patients. Another 35 patients were transferred via medical evacuation, and 196 cases were handled at border crossings. Traffic accident reports have also shown a decline since the implementation of the new traffic law in May. The ministry recorded 902 accident cases in January, 903 in February, 908 in March, 889 in April, 753 in May and 701 in June — a reduction of 357 cases in two months. On the digital transformation front, Dr Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry is advancing its digital services to streamline healthcare access and reduce patient load at clinics. He said 23 services are now available on the government's 'Sahel' app, benefitting over 338,000 users during the first half of 2025. Since the launch of the ministry's electronic 'Patient' system in October 2023, more than 3.9 million users have accessed digital health services. This shift has helped decrease visits to primary health centers from over 15.5 million in 2022 to 13.2 million in 2024. Efforts in early disease detection are also expanding, with 13,530 women undergoing breast cancer screening since 2023. The number of applicants for early detection reached 1,114 in 2023, 8,141 in 2024, and 4,275 during the first half of this year. The home care program for bedridden patients also continues to grow, with 872 patients receiving care in the first half of 2025. Al-Sanad revealed plans to soon launch home care services for bedridden children as part of ongoing efforts to expand comprehensive healthcare delivery. — KUNA

Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Chest Diseases Hospital performs Kuwait's first minimally invasive coronary artery surgeries
Breakthrough procedure shortens recovery time and marks leap in cardiac care KUWAIT: In a groundbreaking medical milestone, the Chest Diseases Hospital has successfully performed minimally invasive coronary artery surgeries on a number of patients - marking the first time such a procedure has been carried out in Kuwait. Led by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Dr Muhammad Meshal Al-Ayar, the surgical team achieved a 100 percent success rate, with all patients recovering satisfactorily. The procedures, hailed as a significant advancement in cardiac care, signal a new chapter in Kuwait's medical achievements. KUWAIT: Chest Diseases Hospital successfully performed minimally invasive coronary artery surgeries for a number of patients—marking the first time such procedures have been carried out in Kuwait. Led by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Dr Muhammad Meshal Al-Ayar, the surgical team achieved a 100 percent success rate, with all patients recovering satisfactorily. Dr Al-Ayar explained that the innovative technique differs fundamentally from traditional coronary artery bypass surgery, which requires opening the entire chest. Instead, the new method involves a small incision - no larger than five centimeters - on the left side of the chest. This less invasive approach significantly reduces the extent of surgical intervention, shortens hospitalization and accelerates recovery. 'This represents a qualitative leap in heart surgery,' Dr Al-Ayar said, noting that patients who undergo this technique are able to return to their normal activities within just three to five days, compared to the extended recovery periods associated with conventional procedures. He added that the adoption of this advanced surgical method reflects the hospital's commitment to keeping pace with the latest international medical technologies and offering world-class healthcare services. 'This achievement highlights the capability of Kuwaiti medical professionals and their readiness to implement cutting-edge surgical practices in accordance with global standards,' he said. Dr Al-Ayar extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its ongoing support and for equipping the hospital with state-of-the-art medical technologies. He also praised the leadership of the Chest Diseases Hospital, particularly Medical Director Dr Jamal Al-Fadhli, for their continuous encouragement and support of the hospital's medical teams. The success of these pioneering surgeries is a strong indicator of the advancement of the national healthcare system and the growing role of local expertise in delivering top-tier medical services in Kuwait.