Dr Jamal Al-Harbi

KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi stressed yesterday the ministry's keenness on integrating human rights principles with its health care programs and policies on all medical levels, including precautionary, therapeutic, and rehabilitant. Harbi made his remarks in his speech at the opening of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences (IOMS) conference, billed as "health rights and duties for patients from an Islamic perspective."

The four-day conference coincides with Human Rights Day and Kuwait's ongoing celebrations after being chosen as the Islamic Culture Capital 2016, he said, indicating that the conference's axes and events are in line with the ministry's priorities and vision.

The conference's discussions will lead to recommendations that would support health and development plans, programs, and strategies, transferring the link between health and human rights from just ambitions and hopes into a tangible reality, said Harbi.

The ministry has laid a clear roadmap for integrating human rights principles and measures with all its health policies, procedures, and care programs in accordance with the 2030 sustainable development plan, Harbi said. He also affirmed that IOMS is the ministry's strategic partner in solidifying human rights principles and measures in health and awareness programs and policies. - KUNA