Since November, the pediatric oncology team at NBK Hospital—the only oncology center in Kuwait—has integrated pediatric palliative care into its daily work. In under a year, we’ve now supported 100 children and their families.
This number may seem modest in a global context, but in our region—where pediatric palliative care is still emerging—it represents meaningful, measurable change. Each of these 100 children brought their own story, their own challenges. Some were still on active treatment. Others were navigating difficult complications. A few were at the end of life. But what united them all was a shared need for comfort, clarity, and support—delivered early, not just at the final stages.
Palliative care in this setting has helped manage refractory pain, distressing symptoms like constipation, dystonia, and depression, and provided families with emotional reassurance in the face of medical uncertainty. Often, this work prevented unnecessary hospital interventions, helped families stay at home, and most importantly, preserved the dignity and agency of the children in our care.
Only one day’s work can tell the story. On that day:
- I followed up on a child in PICU after a one-way extubation—now breathing peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
- I monitored a young girl recently started on opioids—her laughter and energy confirmed we were on the right track.
- I supported anxious parents through a difficult decision about an invasive procedure—helping them reach agreement without conflict.
- I adjusted medications for a child with escalating abdominal symptoms—preventing an ED visit.
- I reviewed a stable, aligned end-of-life care plan.
- I facilitated peace between a 19-year-old adolescent declining further chemotherapy and her family—honoring her autonomy while holding space for shared grief.
These aren’t extraordinary cases. They are everyday examples of what palliative care can bring to children, families, and healthcare teams when it is embedded early and delivered with presence and purpose.
I remain deeply grateful to the leadership at NBK Hospital for supporting the growth of this service, and to my mentors at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and the ASSIST Team at Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in Edmonton, whose guidance continues to shape every case I meet.
We are still learning. Still building.
But every day, I am thankful for the chance to grow this work where it’s needed most.
By Dr. Qutaibah Alotaibi
Consultant, Pediatric Palliative Care
NBK Hospital – Kuwait
That is very clear and moving. Yes earlier better than late. Congratulations to you and to your country.
Very interesting. Amazing work amazing effort.