NEW YORK, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Ali Al-Obaidi inaugurated Sheikh Sabah Arrhythmia Institute at St. Luke's Roosvelt Hospital, established through donation by His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Monday evening.
The minister toured the wards of the institute, after which he said, in remarks to KUNA and Kuwait Television, that this development is part of ongoing cooperation and exchange of expertise and information between Kuwaiti and US medical professionals. "Most important for us would be to have doctors from the institute visiting Kuwait to share their expertise and experiences with our doctors at our own arrhythmia center, and we are most interested in information and tips relating to the latest technology and techniques in the field." Al-Obaidi noted the Kuwaiti health office in Washington D.C. regularly refers cases for treatment in accredited health institutes and centers, and it would be cooperating with the Sabah institute in the future for patients with arrhythmia.
The institute, constructed over a period of five years, has operating rooms with the latest equipment and wards and labs with all imaging technologies needed. It also includes a center for administration, research, and development in the field.
Addressing those present for the opening ceremony, the minister expressed his gratitude to President of St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Frank Cracolici and the hospital's administration for their follow-up throughout these five years, and expressed particular thanks to Dr. Sami Hashim, one of the senior doctors at the hospitals.
Stretching across 15,000 square foot, the institute also includes an education and training center which has the latest x-ray and other imaging gear.
Dr. Hashim told KUNA, "today is a historical day for us and for the beneficence of H.H. the ruler of Kuwait. I am delighted that this Institute has been possible because of his generosity." Frank Cracolici, hospital president, expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Kuwaiti Government, especially His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, after whom the Arrhythmia Institute is named, for this "extraordinarily generous and wonderful gift and for the faith in our hospitals and doctors." He also thanked Dr. Hashim "without whose commitment and tireless efforts this Institute would not have been created." Cracolici later told KUNA and Kuwait TV, "I see a very exciting future for us going forward and principally focused on clinical, academic, and research ... We want complete transparency about what we know, how we do it and share that with our friends the Kuwaitis." Dr. Alan Rozanski, Interim Chief of Cardiology, also told those present that "thanks to this wonderful gift from His Highness Sheikh Sabah and the government of Kuwait, we are certainly looking forward to a time very soon when this Institute will be a leading Arrhythmia Centre in New York and the neighbouring states and beyond for treatment, research, and education." Dr. Gary Roubin, Director, Cardiovascular Service Line, said the Al-Sabah gift is a "cornerstone of our plans ... I am confident, will attract patients and referrals from doctors throughout our region." Dr. Bruce Polsky told the gathering that the new Al-Sabah Arrhythmia Institute "significantly advances St. Luke's and Roosevelt's leadership role in cardiac care and treatment ... and, now, the opportunity to develop new relationships with colleagues in Kuwait."(end) sj.wsa KUNA 161133 Oct 12NNNN