H.E. Humaid Al Qatami Attends the Opening of The International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition

Sunday 17 April 2016

Dubai - MENA Herald: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of the Dubai Health Authority, His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the board of the Dubai Health Authority, attended today the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of The International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

After the opening ceremony, H.E. Humaid Al Qatami toured the exhibition area and met representatives from 75 companies and clinics participating from the UAE and the region. H.E. Humaid Al Qatami announced in his opening speech: “It should be noted here that the UAE, and Dubai in particular, was one of the first pioneers in expanding the scope of ‘Family Medicine’ and its specialties, starting with medical education in universities and colleges, professional training and development in accordance with the best practices, and eventually by establishing a basic sector within the Dubai Health Authority (DHA); a primary health care sector, run by qualified minds and specialists in the Family Medicine field, who represent the foremost and crucial entry point to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases with utmost professionalism.”

H.E. Humaid Al Qatami added: “Such forums, conferences and exhibitions hosted in Dubai – with its high capabilities, act as an important opportunity to develop a clear vision for strengthening health institutions' efforts towards the development of policies, action plans, and professional programmes, thus giving Family Medicine its deserved stature and proper role, and also the needed tools to carry out its duties the best way possible, for it is a pillar of health care in any society. This is where our conference here stems from, and seeks to emphasize, with such a large participation from scientists, doctors, and officials coming from the UAE and the world, whose contribution and expertise in this vital field we appreciate and treasure.”

On the other hand, Prof. Tawfik Khoja, Director General, Executive Board, Health Ministers’ Council, For Cooperation Council States said: “The GCC is witnessing in the last few years huge changes in the health needs of its population. Health is more than the absence of disease, and care is more than the provision of diagnostic and treatment services. The GCC States vision is that Primary Health Care Centers will be the first choice for health care, leading the way to quality health care providing comprehensive, integrated, and appropriate and wellness oriented services.”

This year, IFM hosts 12 scientific sessions and 53 scientific posters in addition to 8 workshops, according to Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson. “The three days conference will touch upon pressing topics such as: Mental Health, Geriatric Medicine, health well-being, and occupational health chronic disease. On the other hand, we will highlight the approach of the family physician to commination skills and leadership.” Continued Al Bastaki.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of the IFM Conference and Exhibition, said: “Our utmost priority through this event is to enhance the health sector in the UAE, through strengthening the concept of Family Medicine among the society and educating the community on common medical emergencies, curative measures and areas that require comprehensive care. We strive to provide the best knowledge and expertise derived from different parts of the world, while focusing on presenting new and innovative topics.”

Dr. Al Madani added: “This year, the topics have been selected attractively to engage more family medicine specialists. Topics on Medical Tourism, Occupational and Mental Health, Fighting Childhood Obesity and Elderly Care will feature among discussions.”

“IFM proves to be a perfect platform for delivering primary health care and presents a unique opportunity for family medicine practitioners and professionals from all facets of medicine, to interact with each other, share advancements and common concerns of their profession.” Continued Dr. Al Madani

From his side, Partha Nandi, CEO and Creator of ‘Ask Dr. Nandi’ TV show commented about his participation saying: “I'm honored to speak at The International Family Medicine Conference. I will discuss ‘Being Your Own Health Hero’. How patient education and advocacy is critical in overcoming challenges in primary health care." It has been shown that when patients who are invested, educated and proactive in their health care, the health outcomes are significantly improved. These patients thrive and their life span is increased by several meaningful years.”

Happening parallel to the 3rd edition of IFM Conference and Exhibition, The 1st Edition of the Dubai Core Review Course on Cardiothoracic Surgery is hosted in Dubai for the first time outside the United Kingdom. The London Core Review program provides a comprehensive review of the core information required for surgeons preparing for competency written examination to qualify to practice cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.

On the other hand, IFM will also host the 1st Seminar of the Anti-Smoking International Alliance on the 18th of April under the theme “Together we combat smoking for our generation & the next generations”. The seminar aims to spread awareness among communities about the risks and outcomes of smoking, which has become one of the main causes of death annually.

The International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition is organized yearly by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding, and it will continue until 19th of April, 2016. The event is also supported by Ministry of Health in the UAE, Dubai Health Authority, Global Scientific Healthcare Alliance, Health Ministers Council for Gulf Cooperation Council States, International Hospital Federation, Anti-Smoking International Alliance, INDEX Healthcare Management, and Dubai Sports Council.

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