The Ministry of Health issued a decree on August 13, 2026, creating two independent units within the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation at the National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Children’s Hospital. Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed the directive granting the units organizational and medical independence with parity in structure and shared resources. The units will offer comprehensive services covering hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, cell therapy and advanced treatments for children with blood disorders, cancers and tumors. Equitable patient access will apply across both units without exclusivity for any treatment type.
According to the ministerial decree, the initiating unit will maintain responsibility for continuity of care including outpatient monitoring and on-call evaluations. The Ministry of Health announcement stressed development of an integrated and sustainable framework for advanced pediatric systems. Cooperation between the units will encompass academic activities, research projects, training programs and committee participation.
The decree specifies that each unit will include two permanent consultants supplemented by registrars rotating on a monthly basis. Shared use of expertise, beds and other resources will follow approved guidelines to ensure operational efficiency. Units will convene for joint monthly meetings focused on outcomes review and biweekly sessions dedicated to case discussions. This setup aims to balance specialized functions with collaborative progress in the field.
The National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Children’s Hospital has operated as the primary facility for pediatric hematology and oncology services. The Ministry of Health launched the stem cell transplant program at the hospital in October 2020. The latest decree extends that foundation through formal creation of dedicated infrastructure for gene and cell therapies.
The Ministry of Health reported in January 2025 that 71 stem cell transplants for children had been completed since program launch with a success rate comparable to major international centers.[[1]](https://timeskuwait.com/health-minister-announces-71-stem-cell-transplants-for-children-completed-since-2020/) The breakdown included 57 donor transplants, seven autologous procedures and seven involving cell therapy enhancement. In May 2025 Dr. Al-Awadhi stated that more than 40 successful operations had targeted thalassemia and sickle cell anemia with gene therapy for patients over age 12 under review as part of national plans.[[2]](https://kuwaittimes.com/article/28869/kuwait/other-news/kuwait-to-introduce-gene-therapy-for-teens-with-blood-disorders/)
The Health Ministry inaugurated the Fifth Conference on Stem Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy for Children in January 2026. The Kuwait News Agency reported that the two-day event examined advances in pediatric applications of these therapies. Subsequent ministry actions have continued to build specialized capacity in the sector.
A July 2026 sector assessment described the broader GCC shift from reliance on imported cell and gene therapies toward localized development and delivery systems.[[3]](https://pharmaboardroom.com/articles/cell-and-gene-therapy-the-rise-of-advanced-therapeutics-in-the-gcc/) The analysis noted evolving regulatory support and infrastructure investments across the region. The Ministry of Health decree aligns with these patterns by institutionalizing dedicated units to address domestic pediatric needs.
