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International Family Medicine supported by Dubai Health Authority

 Dubai, UAE, 26 October 2022: Mental Health issues are the highlight of discussion on the second day of the ninth edition of the International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition – IFM. The three-day event which is supported by the Dubai Health Authority touched on sensitive topics which places the importance of integrating mental health in primary care.

Family medicine plays an important role in providing direct and continuous care of a person and their family. Unlike other specialties that are limited to a particular organ or disease, family physicians are the only specialists qualified to treat most ailments and addresses the most pressing and most common medical needs of patients without being limited by age or gender. They also practice a range of medical subjects and specialties, rather than the depth of a specific medical field.

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10-19-year-olds around the world experience a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.[1] Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. The consequences of failing to acknowledge and address mental health conditions at an early age inadvertently extend to adulthood, further damaging both physical and mental health, and limiting one’s prospects of living an enjoyable life as they get older.

In early 2019, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced the launch of a number of digital solutions technologies in the mental and psychological field, which will lead to a quantum leap in the clinical practices field. These digital solutions include the treatment by using virtual reality technology to help understand schizophrenia and to learn more about the suffering of patients with this disease, through the use of Gear by Oculus technology.

Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson of IFM, stated: “Mental Health issues are on the rise all around the world and it was reported that by 2030, a Mental Health crisis could cost the global economy up to $16 trillion.[1] The World Health Organization has set out a well-organized plan to implement a method to better heal our loved ones over this time and we are here to highlight this plan and encourage everyone to get involved. It was a pleasure to hear our international guest speakers today touch on these subjects and it further goes to prove that these are global issues we must coordinate and solve together.

IFM featured an exclusive conference program touching on profound issues surrounding Mental Health in Family Medicine which included an extensive display of insightful research, improved treatments methods, and meaningful dialogue between medical professionals and the general public.

Dr. Devdutt Kotekar, Consultant Neurologist at Kuwait Hospital Sharjah and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at University of Sharjah, delivered an insightful lecture on Updates in Dementia Management, stated: “Dementia and Mental Health problems should be of high-importance to people and family members alike because it has now shown that there are signs we can detect early on to help us before we reach old age. There is an increase number of seniors around the world and dementia is becoming more common for people over the age of 65 years where more problems arise because they were not cared for early on.

Dr. Devdutt continued: “Statistics show that in the near future, up to 25% of hospital beds may be filled by dementia patients, further proving that we have an alarming rise in the rates of diagnosis. We are here in IFM today to cooperate in raising the awareness of Mental Health and ensuring we know how to care for our loved ones.”

Dr. Buthina Belaila, Consultant Family Physician and Head of Noncommunicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, chaired an insightful session titled ‘Integrating Mental Health in Primary Care’ which covered many topics regarding Integrating Psychiatry Services in Primary Care as given by  Dr. Nahida Nayaz, Chair of Behavioral Health Council and Chair of Mental Health Taskforce at the Department of Health, Ambulatory Healthcare Services – SEHA; Interface Between Psychiatry and Medicine: Unexplained Somatic Symptoms as given by Dr. Ahmed Elshafei, Consultant Psychiatrist at The Psychiatry and Therapy Centre in the UAE; and New Approaches to Brain Healing as given by Prof. Shai Efrati, Director of Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research and Director of Research and Development, Shamir Medical Center.

More than 2,500 healthcare professionals and participants are expected to attend IFM where 50 expert speakers are delivering 35 scientific sessions. Over 30 participating countries are present with more than 40 brands on display throughout the exhibition halls.

International Family Medicine is held annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org. Est. – a member of INDEX Holding, and receives notable support from UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance, Anti-smoking International Alliance, Dubai Sports council, International Hospital Federation, Emirates Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and Healthpoint.

For more information, please contact:

Abdel Rahman Rabie
Public Relations Executive, INDEX Media
Email: abdelrahman.rabie@index.ae
Phone: 00971504807187

H.E. Awad Al Ketbi, Director-General of DHA Inaugurates Event

 Dubai, UAE, 25 October 2022: The International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition – IFM, has kicked off today to run through the 27^th of October and was officially inaugurated by H.E. Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of Dubai Health Authority accompanied by H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of IFM and Chairman of INDEX Holding.

A number of healthcare professionals and participants are expected to attend over the course of three days and 50 expert speakers will deliver 35 scientific sessions. Over 30 participating countries will also be present and more than 40 brands will be on display throughout the exhibition halls.

IFM is on a clear mission to promote and maintain the best ethics and high-quality standards in the primary healthcare system through continuous education, informative discussions, and live demonstrations of the most advanced medicines and technology to date. IFM contributes towards the betterment of health by enhancing the Family Medicine concepts inclusive of health promotions, prevention techniques and guidelines, curative programs, promoting equality for accessing health and medical services, and providing effective health programs to the community.

H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of IFM and Chairman of INDEX Holding, praised the opening ceremony stating: “Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare are one of the most important aspects in our lives as it focuses on who we hold most dear to our hearts, our family members – our loved ones. IFM is an incredible gathering of medical professionals that passionately care about the well-being of all patients, from a young age to senior, and thus being even more important to ensure that are all informed of the latest research and well-equipped with the most advanced technology.”

Whether it is a small bruise, minor illness, or even a chronic disease such as cancer, Family Medicine doctors are passionate about curing all disorders in order to provide the best care for the patient. Many benefits of Family Medicine include reducing healthcare cost, increasing healthcare quality, providing access to healthcare across the country, and known to improve overall health.

Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson of IFM, stated: “It is such a pleasure to see everyone in-person here today as the UAE continues to provide an increasingly safe and meaningful environment for all to gather. Family Medicine is the heart and soul of the healthcare industry where doctors must really continue to develop their skills and education to ensure they give the best treatment and comfort to their patients.”

Dr. Ibtesam continued: “We are gaining such a deep and thoughtful perspective on so many issues this year ranging from Mental Health to long-ranging after-affects from the COIVD-19 virus. With such new and profound information lately, these sessions are further helping us increase our abilities accordingly. Our sincerest appreciation goes to all those involved in making IFM a place of unlimited progress for healthcare.”

A groundbreaking new study was also revealed during IFM that highlights a promising treatment for millions suffering from Long COVID symptoms which is now being offered in the UAE. Long COVID, characterized by symptoms that persist more than three months after contracting the virus, has been shown to affect nearly 30% of patients infected by the COVID-19 virus itself. The revelation of a new treatment provides new hope for long-term recovery residents after Aviv Clinics a wholly owned subsidiary of DP World, a pioneering medical clinic in Dubai, started facilitating the treatment protocol on UAE residents with great success.

Dr. Shai Efrati, Director of Sagol Center, Chair of Aviv Scientific’s Medical Advisory Board, and research group leader for the treatment, stated: “For sufferers of Long COVID, one of the biggest challenges has been the uncertainty of not knowing just how long symptoms will last, and if there would be developments in finding treatments. The insights gained from the ongoing research done in the last two years enabled us to make appropriate diagnosis, and for the first time, to provide scientifically proven treatment to improve the long term cognitive and functional decline of post COVID patients. It is a privilege for me to share this science with the attendees at IFM so we can all do better for the unfortunate patients who are suffering from the long-term consequences of COVID-19.”

International Family Medicine is held annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org. Est. – a member of INDEX Holding, and receives notable support from UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance, Anti-smoking International Alliance, Dubai Sports council, International Hospital Federation, Emirates Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and Healthpoint.

For more information, please contact:

Abdel Rahman Rabie
Public Relations Executive, INDEX Media
Email: abdelrahman.rabie@index.ae
Phone: 00971504807187

دبي في 25 يناير / وام / ينظم المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة ندوة عن بعد عبر الإنترنيت بعنوان “مناهج جديدة لإدارة مرض السكري: خيارات جديدة” بعد غد الأربعاء بالتعاون مع المبادرة العالمية للتعليم عن مرض السكري بمشاركة أخصائيي الرعاية الصحية في منطقة الخليج العربي

وستركز الندوة على الطرق المختلفة لعلاج السكري من النوع الثاني والتي تطورت في العقد الأخير نحو طرق علاج أكثر أمانا وفعالية من شأنها أن تؤدي في بعض الحالات إلى تقليل مخاطر الإصابة بأمراض القلب ونقص السكر في الدم وأمراض الكلى

وستتخلل الندوة عروض تقديمية مختلفة يقدمها عدد من المتخصصين البارزين

و قالت الدكتورة إبتسام البستكي رئيسة المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة إن المبادرة العالمية للتعليم عن مرض السكري تقدم برامج تعليمية توظف الطب المبني على الحقائق والأدلة من خلال أفضل الممارسات التعليمية حيث تم تصميم البرامج التعليمية العالمية التي تقدمها هذه المبادرة في سبيل إدارة مرض السكري في المنطقة وتقديم التدريب السريري المتخصص اللازم لأخصائيي الرعاية الصحية والذين في أمسّ الحاجة إليه معبرة عن ترحيب المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة -الذي يعد أكبر مؤتمر للرعاية الصحية الأولية في المنطقة – التعاون مع هذه المبادرة الهامة

من جانبه أعرب الدكتور آندرو جي.ام. بولتون رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للسكري وعضو مجلس إدارة المبادرة العالمية للتعليم عن مرض السكري عن سروره بالتعاون مجددا مع المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة في تقديم هذه الندوة المباشرة عبر الإنترنت التي سيشارك فيها أربعة مختصين عالميين سيناقشون جوانب النهج الجديدة لإدارة النوع الثاني من مرض السكري مثل تقديم مجموعات من الجرع الثابتة وغيرها من الإستراتيجيات وكيفية الحصول على أفضل النتائج خلال جائحة “كوفيد-19″وتأثير نقص السكر في الدم في حالات النوع الثاني من مرض السكري التي تخرج عن السيطرة على صحة القلب العامة

ومن المقرر أن تقام الدورة الثامنة من المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة في الفترة من 24 إلى 26 مايو المقبل حيث ستقدم هذا العام أجندة علمية غنية تغطي مواضيع مثل الصحة العامة والصحة النفسية والتكنولوجيا الحديثة والذكاء الإصطناعي في مجال الصحة والأمراض غير المعدية والأمراض المزمنة وغيرها الكثير من المواضيع المهمة

ولأول مرة سيستضيف المؤتمر الدولي لطب العائلة معرضا موازيا سيتيح الفرصة للشركات الرائدة من المتخصصين في الرعاية الصحية الأولية بهدف التواصل والتفاعل مع الممارسين العامين وممارسي طب العائلة وموظفي إدارة المستشفيات و موزعي الرعاية الصحية

ويقام المؤتمر والمعرض الدولي لطب العائلة سنويا بتنظيم من شركة “إندكس” للمؤتمرات والمعارض- العضو في ” إندكس القابضة” حيث يعد المؤتمر أكبر حدث مختص في قطاع الرعاية الصحية الأولية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط ونجح في إستقطاب أكبر من 1000 مختص سنويا

ووفقا لتقرير نشره الإتحاد الدولي للسكري عام 2019 فإن منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا تتصدر أعلى معدلات انتشار لمرض السكري بنسبة تصل إلى 12بالمائة مقارنة بمناطق أخرى ويقدر عدد المتأثرين بمرض السكري في هذه المنطقة بـ 58.4 مليون شخص مايستدعي الحاجة الماسة إلى تسليط الضوء على هذا المرض وتأثيره في المنطقة

Dubai – United Arab Emirates: International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition (IFM), a specialty medical gathering dedicated to family medicine and general practitioners, has announced its partnership with the Worldwide Initiative for Diabetes Education (Worldwide Diabetes), a non-profit foundation that provides education and information for healthcare providers in a variety of formats and settings on a global scale, for a webinar targeted towards the healthcare professionals of the GCC.

The webinar which will take place on the 27th of January 2021 will focus on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which has evolved in the present century towards safer and more effective treatments, which in some cases can also reduce the risk of Hypoglycemia, cardiovascular disease, and renal outcomes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation’s report of 2019, the MENA region has the highest prevalence of 12% amongst the other regions. It is estimated that 58.4 million people in the MENA region are affected by this disease, hence the importance of raising awareness about this disease and its effects across the region.

During the webinar, various presentations will be delivered by some of the most prominent leaders in the fields of endocrinology and cardiology and will focus on topics that will enable practitioners to implement new therapeutic strategies.

Commenting on the partnership between IFM and Worldwide Diabetes, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Chairperson of IFM 2021 said: “The Worldwide Initiative for Diabetes Education (Worldwide Diabetes) provides educational programs that employ objective, evidence-based medicine through best educational practices. Their global education programs are designed to manage diabetes in the region and provide expert clinical training to those healthcare professionals who need it the most. IFM being the largest Primary Healthcare conference in the GCC, we are delighted to partner with Worldwide Diabetes in this important initiative.”

From his side, Dr. Andrew J.M. Boulton, President of the International Diabetes Federation and member of the Board of Directors of Worldwide Diabetes, said: “The Worldwide Initiative for Diabetes Education is delighted to be working once again with IFM in presenting the live webinar ‘New Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Management: New Options’. We have had the pleasure of working with IFM in previous meetings over the last few years in Dubai. These have always been well organized and well attended with an interested and interactive audience.”

He added: “On this occasion, we have four internationally recognized experts speaking on aspects of new approaches to the management of type 2 diabetes including fixed-dose combinations and other strategies, how to optimize results during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of hypoglycemia and that of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes on overall cardiovascular health. We look forward to a lively discussion following the presentations.”

The 8th edition of IFM will take place from 24-26 May 2021, with a rich educational agenda covering topics like general health, mental health, new technologies & artificial intelligence in healthcare, non-communicable diseases, chronic diseases, and much more.

In addition to the conference, IFM will also feature an exhibition for the first time, which will provide an ideal platform for industry leaders that work closely with primary healthcare professionals to network and interact with general practitioners, family medicine practitioners, hospital management personnel, and healthcare distributors.

IFM is an annual event organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, and is currently the largest conference for the primary healthcare sector in the Middle East, attracting over 1,000 attendees annually.

58.4 million people in the MENA region are affected by diabetes

Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 26 February, 2020: The 7th edition of International Family Medicine Conference – IFM a specialized event dedicated for family physicians successfully concluded today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center after 3 days of highly enriching and engaging conversations on the most significant issues facing family physicians and practitioners. Running under the theme ‘Gateway to Excellence in Healthcare’, the 3-day pivotal gathering, focused on the latest healthcare updates, new practices and most recent developments taking place in the family medicine landscape, while also attracting over 3,000 visitors from the region and abroad.

From his side, Dr. Mohamed Farghaly, Conference General Secretary, IFM, said, “In its 7th edition, International Family Medicine Conference focused on many important topics related to the field of family medicine including both preventive and curative medicine, Non-Communicable Diseases NCD’s, the disease of the century which is ‘Diabetes’ and we also provided insights on the ‘New Corona Virus – COVID-19’, evidence based medicine, maternal health, geriatrics and mental health and neurology, which is a regular topic covered every year. We laid special emphasis on diabetes, as it is widely prevalent in the region in high volume and we focused on early detection, ways of screening and prevention methods.”

He added, “According to the UAE National Agenda Vision 2021, which aims to reduce the prevalence of diabetes from the current 19 percent to 16.3 percent by 2021, the UAE is making tremendous efforts to meet those targets and as type 2 diabetes is mainly covered by family physicians, it is important that family physicians play an integral role in this effort. Moreover, to reduce the overall healthcare costs associated with various types of diseases, family medicine is certainly the most efficient field of medical specialty and in many ways family physicians are the gatekeepers of any country’s health care system.”

Commenting on her part, Dr. Noha A. Dashash, Consultant Family Physician and Assistant Director of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, said, “Prevention is certainly the most important area of concern for family physicians as evidence supports that preventing a disease from happening or detecting it early saves lives by avoiding premature death, prevent complications and provides a better quality of life for patients. As family care practitioners, disease prevention and health maintenance are the most critical issues where we need to focus more and align our resources, priorities and healthcare practices accordingly in order to pave the way for an efficient response.”

She added, “As family physicians practicing in the Gulf region, we are often faced with multiple conditions and diseases that are related to the local culture as well as the diseases of the modern developed countries, which are at times overwhelming for us family physicians. In this regard, family practitioners need to constantly update themselves with the latest knowledge in the healthcare industry as they deal with all ages, genders, conditions and disease types, which makes it a challenge to constantly keep abreast with the changes. We believe specialized gatherings like International Family Medicine conference, gives us a great platform to come together, share new insights and updated knowledge in the field of family medicine.”

On the third and final day, IFM conference featured important discussions on ‘Advancement & Digital transformation in Patient Facing Services’, ‘Beyond A.I.: The Future Role of Quantum Computers in Healthcare’, ‘Novel Approach of Primary Prevention of CVD’, ‘Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Management’, ‘Depression associated with other conditions’ and ‘Over View and Update in Dementia’.

On the sidelines, a dedicated 2-day workshop concluded at IFM, involving a series of lectures, discussions and simulation activities, which was held under the title ‘Self-Care of Non-Communicable-Diseases NCD’s’, targeting primary health care (PHC) providers. The workshop was aimed at introducing self-care as an approach in engaging individuals to self-manage their NCD’s including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

International Family Medicine Conference– IFMis organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding and is supported by the UAEMinistry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences and The Saudi Society for Evidence Based Healthcare. IFM is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott, Roche, Medtronic, MSD, Mundipharma, gsk, Sandoz, Lundbeck and Boehringer Ingelheim.