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

Under the patronage of His Highness 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, accompanied by number of key figures and healthcare professionals attended today the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of The International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami announced during his opening speech: “The DHA is hard at work to establish a healthier and happier society, and to achieve that, we must provide high quality primary care services in our health centers and clinics found throughout Dubai and run by qualified family doctors. The DHA with all its hospitals and clinics, strives to lead at the forefront of global health institutions.”

His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami added: “With IFM Conference aiming this year to promote the ethics and standards of the primary healthcare system through continuous education and knowledge transfer, we look forward to developing a clear vision that helps in developing family medicine to be more capable of facing all current day challenges, and to be more responsive to the growing demand for its services.”

From his side, H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Public Health in Qatar said: “I would like to take this great opportunity to congratulate the organizing and scientific committee for their tireless efforts over the past 4 years in organizing and managing such a memorable event. It is my great pleasure to meet this impressive number of participants from all over the world who came here to exchange experience and work together for “Building a Culture of Excellence in Family Medicine”.”

From her side, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Director of VPS Healthcare for Dubai and Northern Emirates, and the Chairperson of IFM Conference said: “At IFM, we aim to promote the important role of family physicians whom we consider the frontline of the healthcare system. We also work on promoting the ethics and standards of the primary healthcare system through continuous education and knowledge transfer.”

Dr. Al Bastaki added: “In IFM 2017, we plan to concentrate on critical healthcare topics like the Role of Family Physicians in Detecting, Diagnosis, Early Intervention and Treating Substance Abuse Patients, and Accreditation on Primary Health Care. Both topics are being discussed for the first time in IFM.”

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of IFM and GFMSA said: “Our utmost priority through IFM is to enhance the health sector in the UAE, through strengthening the concept of family medicine among society and educating the community on common medical emergencies, curative measures and areas that require comprehensive care.”

“We strive every year to bring the best knowledge and expertise from different parts of the world, while presenting new and innovative topics. This year IFM will host more than 60 speakers whom will deliver 14 sessions and 63 scientific posters. We also have 3,000 confirmed specialists and participants who will attend, visit and network in IFM 2017”. Added Dr. Al Madani

Dr. Al Madani also added: “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.”

On the other hand, IFM exhibition will be officially open tomorrow 7^th of March, being held in conjunction with the 22^nd Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technologies Conference & Exhibition – DUPHAT. IFM 2017 will host more than 90 companies from 72 countries and a number of clinics participating from the UAE and the region.

The International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition is organized yearly by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding, and it will continue until 9^th of March 2017. 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.