Dar Al Shifa Hospital in Hawalli, Kuwait: specialties, doctors and booking

Dar Al Shifa Hospital is a private general hospital on Beirut Street in Hawalli, Kuwait. It treats adults and children and has maternity, newborn and emergency care. The hospital says it opened in 1963 as a maternity hospital in Sharq in Kuwait City and moved to Hawalli in 2003. Accreditation Canada's directory lists it at Diamond, the highest level of the accreditor's Qmentum International program.

Specialties at Dar Al Shifa

The hospital's website lists 33 departments and units: 26 clinical specialties, the Emergency department and six support departments such as the laboratory and imaging. Each specialty and the Emergency department has its own section below. The support departments are grouped at the end with the pharmacy, home care and other services. Tebaba lists doctors from 11 of the 26 specialties and from the Emergency department. You will find a link to them under each one.

Obstetrics and gynecology

The department cares for normal and high risk pregnancies, with tests for the baby such as detailed ultrasound, Doppler, fetal heart monitoring (CTG) and amniocentesis. It has 11 labor rooms, a theatre for caesarean sections and anesthetists who give epidurals in labor around the clock. Gynecologists treat fibroids, endometriosis and menopause problems and do cervical screening and keyhole surgery.

On Tebaba: see Dar Al Shifa gynecologists.

IVF and reproductive medicine unit

Fertility treatment here is for both women and men. It includes intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, sperm injection into the egg (ICSI), genetic testing of embryos (PGT) and fresh or frozen embryo transfer. The unit freezes embryos, sperm and eggs, including eggs for unmarried women and for patients with cancer. It also retrieves sperm surgically (TESA, TESE and micro TESE). Its andrology service treats low sperm count and erectile dysfunction.

On Tebaba: see Dar Al Shifa gynecologists.

Neonatology

The hospital describes its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as level III. It sits next to the labor rooms, takes sick babies born elsewhere and offers ventilation, surfactant, intravenous feeding and whole body cooling for babies who lacked oxygen at birth. A special care baby unit treats sick babies up to 2 months old, while the nursery screens newborns for hearing problems, heart defects and jaundice.

On Tebaba: see Dar Al Shifa pediatricians.

Pediatrics

The department sees children as outpatients and inpatients for routine growth checks and for illnesses such as flu, asthma, gastroenteritis and throat and ear infections. Subspecialty clinics cover the heart, the gut, the nervous system, allergies and hormone disorders such as diabetes. A well baby program sees babies every month for their first 6 months.

On Tebaba: see Dar Al Shifa pediatricians and find pediatric cardiologists under Dar Al Shifa cardiologists.

Cardiology

Clinics offer heart checkups, ECG, exercise stress tests, heart ultrasound (echocardiography) and 24 hour heart rhythm (Holter) and blood pressure monitoring. Cardiac CT and MRI are done in the imaging center. The catheterization lab works 24 hours a day for angiograms, stents, pacemakers and implantable defibrillators (ICD). A coronary care unit treats heart emergencies around the clock.

On Tebaba: 15 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa cardiologists, including the pediatric cardiologists.

Gastroenterology

The endoscopy service does upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, polyp removal, ERCP (endoscopy of the bile and pancreatic ducts), capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. Other procedures include stopping bleeding from swollen veins in the food pipe (varices), placing stents and feeding tubes (PEG), liver biopsy and Fibroscan liver scans. The department says its team includes pediatric gastroenterologists.

On Tebaba: 8 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa gastroenterologists.

Internal medicine

The department sees patients aged 12 and over for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, migraine and anemia. Its 10 subspecialties are gastroenterology (see above) and the nine described below: endocrinology, nephrology, neurology, pulmonary and sleep medicine, hematology and medical oncology, rheumatology, infectious disease, geriatrics and psychiatry.

Endocrinology unit

Endocrinologists see patients with diabetes and its complications, thyroid, pituitary and adrenal disorders, osteoporosis and problems with growth and puberty. They manage obesity with dietitians and physiotherapists and refer suitable patients for weight loss surgery. They also take fine needle samples from thyroid nodules.

Nephrology unit

Kidney specialists here treat kidney damage from diabetes, high blood pressure, polycystic kidneys, inflamed kidney filters (glomerulonephritis) and imbalances of blood salts such as sodium and potassium. The unit runs a stone prevention clinic and a chronic dialysis service. Critically ill patients with acute kidney failure can have continuous dialysis (CRRT).

Neurology unit

The unit diagnoses and treats headache and migraine, dizziness, seizures, stroke, facial paralysis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also treats multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and nerve damage from diabetes. Tests include EEG, EMG and nerve conduction studies.

Pulmonary and sleep medicine unit

Chest specialists treat asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and sleep disorders. They do lung function tests, sleep studies and bronchoscopy. The unit's emergency and intensive care service for patients who need help with breathing runs around the clock.

Hematology and medical oncology unit

The unit treats anemia, platelet and bleeding disorders, blood clots and blood problems in pregnancy and after delivery. It diagnoses and treats solid tumors, follows patients after cancer treatment and counsels families about inherited cancers.

Rheumatology unit

Rheumatologists treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. They assess joints and tendons by ultrasound and give joint and tendon injections.

Infectious disease unit

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are treated here, including tuberculosis, brucellosis and infections caught while travelling, such as malaria. The unit also guides the use of antibiotics in the hospital.

Geriatric unit

The unit assesses the physical, mental and social health of older adults and how they manage daily life. It reviews medicines, checks memory and the risk of falls and manages long term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia.

Psychiatry clinic

The clinic treats depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders and ADHD.

General surgery

Surgeons do keyhole operations on the appendix, gallbladder, bowel and hernias. They also operate on the stomach, liver, pancreas, thyroid and breast, treat piles and anal fistulas and operate on children. Weight loss options include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric banding and a stomach balloon.

On Tebaba: see Dar Al Shifa pediatricians for pediatric surgery.

Vascular unit

Vascular specialists treat varicose veins, narrowed arteries in the legs and arms, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema and diabetic foot ulcers, to help prevent amputation. With the endovascular team they also treat carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysm. For kidney patients, they prepare the access needed for dialysis.

Orthopedic surgery

The department treats fractures and sports injuries such as cruciate ligament and rotator cuff tears. Surgeons do keyhole joint surgery (arthroscopy), hip, knee and shoulder replacement, spine surgery and hand surgery. For children, the department treats conditions such as hip dislocation and club foot.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgeons treat head and spine injuries, brain tumors, aneurysms, bleeding in the brain, slipped discs and narrowing of the spinal canal. Operations include craniotomy, microdiscectomy, spinal fusion and shunts that drain fluid from the brain.

Ophthalmology

The department examines eyes at every age and treats cataract with stitchless phaco surgery, glaucoma, retinal disease and eye problems in children such as squint. It also offers laser vision correction (SMILE), corneal transplants, eyelid and tear duct surgery and dry eye treatment. Optometrists test vision and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

On Tebaba: 7 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa ophthalmologists.

Ear, nose and throat

The department treats ear, nose, sinus, throat and voice problems in adults and children, with operations such as tonsil and adenoid removal, ear tubes and endoscopic sinus surgery. Its audiology and balance unit tests hearing in newborns, children and adults and treats dizziness with balance therapy. A snoring and sleep apnea service does home sleep studies and sleep endoscopy.

On Tebaba: 6 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa ENT doctors.

Urology and andrology

Urologists remove kidney and ureter stones by endoscopy, laser or shock waves and treat an enlarged prostate with endoscopic procedures. They operate on cancers of the prostate, kidney and testis and treat urinary leakage in women in a continence clinic with urodynamic testing. They also treat male infertility, erectile dysfunction and urinary problems in children.

On Tebaba: 6 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa urologists.

Plastic surgery

Cosmetic operations include face, neck, eyelid and brow lifts, body lifts, breast enlargement or lift and surgery of the nose, chin and ears. Reconstructive work includes breast reduction, cleft lip and palate repair and scar revision.

On Tebaba: 2 doctors listed under Dar Al Shifa plastic surgeons.

Dermatology

Dermatologists treat skin disease and infections such as eczema, acne and nail infections and use ultraviolet (UVB) light for psoriasis and vitiligo. Cosmetic treatments include laser hair removal, Botox, fillers, PRP for hair loss, peels and HydraFacial.

Interventional radiology and pain management

Interventional radiologists treat back and neck pain with spinal injections and nerve root blocks, radiofrequency treatment of nerves, ozone injections into the disc and kyphoplasty. They also do angiography, angioplasty, biopsies and embolization (blocking blood vessels) of the uterus, varicocele or prostate.

Emergency

The hospital's Emergency page describes separate adult areas for men and women, a pediatric emergency division and a room for obstetric emergencies and deliveries. It also describes a resuscitation room for life threatening cases, a private room for every patient and direct referral from triage to a cardiologist for patients with heart symptoms. It says two ambulances are staffed 24 hours a day.

On Tebaba: pediatric emergency physicians listed under Dar Al Shifa pediatricians and obstetricians and gynecologists from the Emergency team under Dar Al Shifa gynecologists.

Support services

• Laboratory: open 24 hours a day, also for people who are not patients of the hospital, with a blood bank. Specialized tests are sent to partner laboratories abroad.
• Diagnostic Imaging Center: open 24 hours a day, every day including public holidays, for X rays, mammography, bone density scans (DEXA), ultrasound and Doppler, CT and an open MRI for adults and children.
• Anesthesia and intensive care: anesthesia is available 24 hours a day, with an assessment unit before planned surgery. The intensive care unit and the coronary care unit are staffed around the clock.
• Pharmacy: open 24 hours a day. Home delivery and refills of long term medicines are ordered by WhatsApp on +965 9906 1329.
• Histopathology: biopsy and cell tests, including Pap smears and needle samples from the thyroid, plus second opinions on samples.
• Dietary Clinic: diet plans for weight control, diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease and kidney disease, plus the Shifa Lite meal service.
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: physiotherapy for muscles and joints, children, heart and lung patients, women's health and recovery after surgery, with an underwater treadmill.
• Dar Al Shifa Home Care: doctors, nurses and physiotherapists visit the home for wound care, IV therapy, newborn care and nursing by the hour or in 12 or 24 hour shifts. A patient transport van runs 24 hours a day.
• Tetamman: the hospital's yearly health check, which takes about 3 hours. Book on 1802555.
• Sehaty Online: an app and website where patients see their lab results, clinic notes and medicines.

Dar Al Shifa doctors on Tebaba

Tebaba lists 112 doctors at Dar Al Shifa Hospital in 10 specialties: pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, ENT, urology, dermatology and plastic surgery.

Pediatrics (24 doctors)

Gynecology (23 doctors)

Orthopedics (16 doctors)

Cardiology (15 doctors)

Gastroenterology (8 doctors)

Ophthalmology (7 doctors)

ENT (6 doctors)

Urology (6 doctors)

Dermatology (5 doctors)

Plastic surgery (2 doctors)

See them all on the Dar Al Shifa Hospital page on Tebaba.

Before your visit

Location. The hospital is on Beirut Street in Hawalli (spelled Hawally on its website), Block 9, opposite the Hawalli Fire Station. The postal address is P.O. Box 3390, Safat 13034. Safat is only the post office district, not the location, so search for Dar Al Shifa Hospital in Hawalli on a map.

Drop off and parking. Cars can drop patients at the main entrance and at the Emergency entrance. Parking in the hospital's car park building is free. Valet parking runs 24 hours a day.

Phone numbers.

• Main line and appointments: 1802555 (from outside Kuwait +965 1802555)
• Admission Office: +965 2223 1286 or +965 2223 1843
• Questions about a planned operation: +965 2223 1176
• Insurance help desk: +965 2223 1149
• International Patient Referral Desk, for second opinions and treatment abroad: +965 9411 6801
• Home care renewals and complaints: +965 6069 4101
• Customer Service hotline: +965 6615 9810
• Pharmacy delivery and refills on WhatsApp: +965 9906 1329
• Email: contactus@daralshifa.com

Booking. Book by calling 1802555, on the hospital's website or in the DASH App for iPhone and Android. The website's Book Appointment menu lists the doctors who take online bookings. You pick a time slot, enter the patient's details and confirm. Not every doctor can be booked online, so call for the others. The hospital does not publish a WhatsApp number for appointments.

What to bring. To be seen under insurance, bring your original, valid insurance card and Civil ID. For an admission, the hospital also asks for:

• your Civil ID (or your passport and visa page if you are visiting Kuwait)
• a marriage certificate for pregnancy and delivery
• any referral letter and your lab and imaging reports
• your current medicines in their original packs, with prescriptions
• sleepwear and toiletries
• if you are giving birth, more than one set of clothes for the baby

Insurance. The hospital accepts cards from a published list of insurers and claims administrators and bills them directly, subject to your policy terms. The list includes Al Ahleia, GIG, Tawuniya, Bupa Arabia, Bupa Global, Allianz Worldwide Care, MetLife, Cigna, Nextcare and Globemed Kuwait. Some tests, procedures and admissions need approval from the insurer first. The hospital says this usually takes about 15 minutes. The list does not mention Afya, the government health insurance for retirees. To check your cover, call the insurance help desk on +965 2223 1149 or email insurancehelp@daralshifa.com.

Emergency. If someone's life is in danger, call 112. The hospital publishes no emergency or ambulance phone number, but you can request an ambulance in the DASH App. Its Emergency page says emergency patients can be referred to a specialist at any hour and that the laboratory and radiology work 24 hours a day. Mobile phones are not allowed in the Emergency department or other critical care areas.

Opening and visiting hours. The laboratory, the imaging center, the pharmacy and the information desk at the main entrance work around the clock. Clinic hours are set per doctor. For doctors who take online bookings they show on the booking page. For the others, call 1802555. Visiting hours are 9 AM to 11 PM every day. In the ICU, CCU and NICU, visits are from 11 AM to 1 PM and from 6 PM to 8 PM. The hospital advises visitors not to bring children under 12.

Planned surgery. With Fast Track Admission, you visit the Anesthesia Clinic the day before surgery to sign the forms and pay. On the day, you go straight to your booked room without stopping at the Admission Office.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dar Al Shifa Hospital?

On Beirut Street, Block 9, Hawalli, opposite the Hawalli Fire Station.

Which specialties does Dar Al Shifa have?

Of the 33 departments and units on the hospital's website, 26 are clinical specialties: obstetrics and gynecology, IVF and reproductive medicine, neonatology, pediatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, endocrinology, nephrology, neurology, pulmonary and sleep medicine, hematology and medical oncology, rheumatology, infectious disease, geriatrics, psychiatry, general surgery, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, ENT, urology and andrology, interventional radiology and pain management, plastic surgery and dermatology. The hospital also has an Emergency department.

How do I book an appointment?

Call 1802555, book online at daralshifa.com or use the DASH App. Not every doctor takes online bookings.

Does Dar Al Shifa have emergency care around the clock?

The hospital's Emergency page says emergency patients can be referred to a specialist at any hour and that the laboratory, radiology and two ambulances work 24 hours a day. Adults are seen in separate areas for men and women. Children go to a pediatric emergency division. If someone's life is in danger, call 112.

Does the hospital accept insurance?

The hospital says it bills a published list of insurers and claims administrators directly, subject to your policy terms. Call the insurance help desk on +965 2223 1149 to confirm your plan.

Which specialties does Tebaba list at Dar Al Shifa?

Pediatrics (24 doctors), gynecology (23), orthopedics (16), cardiology (15), gastroenterology (8), ophthalmology (7), ENT (6), urology (6), dermatology (5) and plastic surgery (2).

Is there parking?

Yes. Parking in the hospital's car park building is free. Valet parking runs 24 hours a day.

To compare these doctors, open the Dar Al Shifa doctors listing on Tebaba and filter by specialty or language.