IDF launches Health Guide 2021 ‘Covid-19 Explained’
KUWAIT CITY, July 18: In an elaborate ceremony, the Indian Doctors Forum, (IDF) Kuwait launched the Health Guide 2021, Volume XVII at the Indian Embassy Auditorium under the title ‘Covid-19 Explained’.
The event was graced by Dr Mohammad Al-Kashti, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Health on behalf of Minister of Health Dr Basel Al-Sabah; president of Kuwait Medical Association Dr Ahmad Thuwaini AlEnizi; Dr Fawaz Al-Refaee, KIMS Secretary-General; president of Indian Doctors’ Forum Dr Amir Ahmed; senior doctors and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Al-Kashti said “Life has changed and we have to deal with it, unlike the past 17 years of celebrations organized by the IDF, this year unfortunately is different with all this social distancing and wearing masks and we certainly know that something is unusual.”
Crisis
Dr Al-Khasti added this is a crisis situation on the medical, social and economical fronts. People all over the world are suffering and said “all of us have to overcome this crisis by helping each other”. He also thanked all the Indian doctors and medical staff for the great efforts exerted and continues to exert during this crisis.
Dr Al-Enizi praised the vigorous and selfless service provided by the IDF to the less privileged Indians and members of other communities.
“The role played by the IDF during the ongoing pandemic is highly commendable. I would like to place on record my appreciation to all the members of IDF who have rendered tele-consultation services, conducted webinars and symposiums on Covid in various Indian languages,” said Dr Al-Enizi.
Addressing the gathering, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Sibi George said cooperation in medical sector “is a key element in our multifaceted bilateral relationship, and this is truer now than ever when we jointly fight against this deadly pandemic and called healthcare is one of the areas identified as priority sectors of cooperation between Kuwait and India.”
He called the IDF team trusted partner of the Embassy which always in the forefront of the embassy efforts to ensure the welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait and to fight the pandemic.
The ambassador said, India has made significant progress with COVID-19 vaccinations around the world; however, “we still have a long way to go until each one of us is vaccinated. New variants of this disease are being discovered adding to the difficulties already faced. It is thereby imperative that we do not relent in our efforts.”
Delighted
On the launch of the guide, the Indian envoy said the embassy is delighted to partner again with the IDF and be part of an initiative which “I strongly believe will be highly useful for everyone which is being made available free of cost.”
Dr Amir Ahmed said the fight against Covid-19 can be won only by being vaccinated against this disease. He said, “False information, wrong beliefs and personal opinions spread through the social media has deterred the public from being vaccinated.”
He went on to say this leads to vaccine hesitancy and is one of the main reasons for newer strains of the virus emerging, leading to surge in the number of cases resulting in newer fresh waves of Covid-19 infections.
‘Covid-19 Explained’ consists of very informative articles written by Indian and Kuwaiti specialists in their respective fields. The guide sheds light on preventive measures, vaccinations, and in-depth information related to Covid-19 and the new variants that continue to infect the world.
The concise and highly informative guide has been edited and compiled by Dr Saroj Bala Grover, Physician, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kuwait and Dr Arijit Chattopadhuay, Endocrinologist, Al-Sabah Hospital, Kuwait.