Kuwaiti nuclear medicine conference kicks off

The fourth Kuwait Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (KSNMMI) Conference kicked off here, Sunday, under the title "Updates in molecular imaging," and the event which was inaugurated by Health Undersecretary Dr. Mohammad Al-Khashti runs March 16-18. In his opening address on behalf of Health Minister Ali Al-Obaidi, Al-Khashti said the participants would review and discuss the latest in molecular imaging, stressing such events show the state's interest in improving healthcare and providing better service. He noted that the great speed at which technologies used in the field are developed means it is vital to organize such exchanges to help professionals stay abreast with their peers and to provide patients with both better service and a sense of trust in their health providers. As to specifics of the agenda, he said the discussions would focus on "thyroid diseases and their treatment, and the use of molecular imaging in non-oncological diseases like bone and central nervous system (diseases) as well as the use of radionuclide in therapy." Meanwhile, Head of the Organizing Committee and Head of Jahra Hospital Nuclear Medicine Department Dr. Mahmoud Al-Feeli said, "We are having a group of elite specialized lecturers in the field from North America, Europe, and regional countries, as well as local speakers utilizing the latest presentation facilities to give the lectures." "There will be parallel sessions for the physicians and the technologists," he added. Al-Feeli pointed out that "Kuwait Society of Nuclear Medicine" was established in late 2009, and the name was changed in late 2013 to "Kuwait Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular imaging". KSNMMI is member of Kuwait medical association (KMA), he added. Nuclear medicine was introduced in Kuwait in the late 1960s, he said. On a note for those in the field, the official said the conference is registered in Kuwait Health Ministry's Institute for Medical Specialization (KIMS) for the CME/CPD program for 16 credit hours.