KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s Health Ministry has introduced a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system aimed at improving the management of blood transfusions, marking a significant advancement in healthcare services. Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced the initiative, highlighting its role in tracking blood supplies from donors to recipients, reducing human errors, and enhancing patient safety.

According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the RFID system as a pioneering project that boosts the quality of healthcare services. The technology has been integrated into the Kuwait Central Blood Bank and its branches, as well as external donation campaigns, to ensure the optimal distribution and management of the national bloodstock. The system facilitates a rapid response to emergencies by providing an updated database, streamlining the examination and tracking of blood bags.

Dr. Reem Al-Radhwan, Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ad
opting the latest technological advancements. She stated that global studies have validated the effectiveness of RFID technology in enhancing blood transfusion safety. The system’s ability to encrypt tracking data on blood bags allows for precise monitoring during storage and transportation, aligning with the Ministry’s strategic vision for digital transformation in healthcare.

Al-Radhwan reported that the department has collected approximately 90,000 blood bags this year and produced over 215,000 blood products, including platelets and plasma, to meet the needs of patients requiring transfusions. This project is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to improve healthcare service levels and ensure sustainability, in line with international trends.