Webmaster INDEX

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.

Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 24 February, 2020: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of DHA today officially inaugurated the 7th edition of International Family Medicine Conference – a specialty medical gathering dedicated for family physicians and practitioners, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Running under the theme ‘Gateway to Excellence in Healthcare’, the 3-day premier healthcare event being held until the 26th of February, 2020, aims to highlight the latest developments, new research studies, innovations and technology advancements, particularly in the field of family medicine.

This year, IFM is expected to draw over 3,000 visitors and participants over the 3 days. While the conference presents a rich comprehensive agenda witnessing the presence of 50 speakers, who offer their insights on very important topics related to family medicine during 38 scientific sessions and 2 dedicated workshops, the premier specialty gathering also hosts over 50 poster presentations, showcasing the latest research and many studies on key topics related to family medicine.

During his keynote speech, His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami said, “International Family Medicine Conference is considered a converging point to exchange knowledge and experiences as well as discussing the latest advancements in the field of family medicine and its related branches that is developing year after year.The importance of family medicine as a distinct specialty comes out of its position as a primary healthcare department that all healthcare institutions depend on to enhance the diagnostics and practices for disease prevention.Therefore, family medicine is directly related to the primary healthcare systems, and is considered as a vital approach to health and wellbeing by the World Health Organization.”

His Excellency added, “The family medicine field also includes all the needs and priorities of individuals and families comprising various medical services. It is not merely limited to providing immediate health services and it is more comprehensive as an integrated system of care, which is heavily relied upon in the early detection of diseases. Moreover, family medicine also helps in the development of preventive and curative plans and programs, for each family and all members of the society.”

He concluded, “The Dubai Health Authority (DHA)believes thatfamily medicine is the basis for promoting the health of all members of the society and the quality of life of people. It also considers this medical specialty as a priority when setting its policies, plans, and development programs and it works continuously to update primary healthcare centers, and all departments and specialties related to family medicine across allits medical facilities.”

While commenting on the occasion, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson, IFM 2020, said, “In its 7th edition, International Family Medicine Conference will specifically focus on all the latest healthcare updates related to innovation adoption and the introduction of new technology advances in the practice of family medicine. IFM aims to address all related healthcare topics within the field of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care PHC, such as valued based healthcare outcomes, mental health and a key focus on chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.”

Dr. Ibtesam added, “At IFM, werecognize that there is a need to create a robust relationship between the patient and the familyphysician not only to address physical and mental issues afflicting patients but also to offer them help on various social aspects. Family medicine as a distinct medical specialty serves people of all age groups delivering continuous and personal care to all members of the family and we firmly believe that this critical health care department will also provide a one stop shop care to meet all the needs of the patient.”

From his side, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of the International Family Medicine Conference and the Honorary President of the International Scientific Union of Family Medicine, “The government of the United Arab Emirates works tirelessly to promote the health and the wellbeing of all members of the society. It is also keen to develop the healthcare sector and provide the best medical services in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda that aim at implementing a healthcare system at par with the highest international standards. Meanwhile, we are witnessing the start of the 7th edition of the International Family Medicine Conference, which will provide a scientific and medical platform that brings together doctors, experts, specialists and workers in the field of family medicine from the region and the world under one roof in order to discuss the challenges facing specialists in this field and the most prominent strategies to achieve a happier and more prosperous society.”
He added“As the organizers of this scientific event, I would like to thank all doctors, experts and family medicine professionals for their active participation in this year’s edition, and we are confident that the International Family Medicine Conference will achieve its goals in disseminating knowledge and experience to benefit all healthcare providers in the UAE. On the sidelines of this conference, the annual meeting of the Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance is held to discuss with the concerned parties matters related to primary healthcare, health education and the infectious disease prevention, among other issues.”

On the first day, IFM conference addresses a number of key scientific issues and topics related to the field of family medicine such as ‘Changing Management in Primary Healthcare: A new role in a changing healthcare system’, ‘Where will Family Physician be in 30 years?’, ‘Diabetes & Cardiovascular Updates’, ‘Influenza Management, What’s New?, ‘The Challenges of Family Medicine in China’ and ‘Geriatrics’ among a few other issues.

On the sidelines, a dedicated workshop was heldunder the title ‘Diabetes Educator Essentials’ conducted by ‘Mubadala Healthcare’ and ‘Imperial College London Diabetes Center’, where family physicians offered their deep insights on the latest inthe treatment of diabetes.

Meanwhile, conference attendees get a chance to earn 19.25 CME credit points from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) while also receiving an opportunity to hone their skills and gain additional clinical expertise in the field of family medicine.

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.