Maiden Gulf Pharma-Medical meet inaugurated
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Chairman of the Supreme Council for Health Lt-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa inaugurated the first Gulf Pharma-Medical Conference here yesterday.
More than 400 participants from Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States are participating in the two-day event on the theme “Making a Difference in Infectious Diseases.”
A total of 20 experienced local, regional and international speakers and experts shared with the attendees the latest developments in the field of infectious diseases.
It’s organised by Bahrain Pharmacists Association, in concert with the Internal Medicine Department of Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and support of the Saudi Pharmaceuticals Association.
Speaking to DT News on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Shaikh Mohammed said, “We encourage and support such events. They’re opportunities for healthcare specialists in the region to meet and exchange knowledge and experience. We’re looking forward to organise more of these forums in the future.”
Commenting on the theme of the conference, he added: “Infectious diseases are everywhere in our region. What we should do is be cautious and follow the necessary precautionary measures to protect our society.”
Organising and Scientific Committees member and SMC Internal Medical department Chief Dr. Jameela Al Salman explained, “The event is the fruit of cooperation between SMC Internal Medical Department and Bahrain Pharmacists Society. We have been planning for this conference for the last two months. It’s the first time in the region that a conference is organised for both pharmacists and doctors.”
She elaborated, “It’s dedicated to all the medical staff working in the public and private sectors. In this event we put all the participants’ ideas, knowledge and experience in one area. We have prominent regional and international speakers in this field, who will discuss with the audience the latest developments and solutions in the area of protection from infectious diseases.”
“In the conference, we will shed light on a variety of important topics, including travel medicine, vaccinations and elderly infections,” she added.
Bahrain Pharmacist Society Chairman and Organising Committee Chairman Yasser Sakheer commented: “In this pharma-medical gathering, we highlight the means to manage infectious diseases. We have experienced speakers from South Africa, Italy, Saudi Arabia and other countries to share their experiences in this field.”
Organising and Scientific Committees Member and University of Bahrain College of Health Sciences Pharmacy Programme Coordinator Dr Sayed Mahmood Al Qallaf said hat “this conference sheds light on diagnosis, treatment and protection of infectious diseases, whether they’re fungal, bacterial or viral.”
“We also seek improving coordination between doctors and pharmacists in Bahrain, in addition to strengthening cooperation between pharmacist’s societies in GCC countries,” he pointed out.
Dr. Al Qallaf commented, “The whole world is under the threat of infectious diseases. The main danger is that bacteria are developing its resistance to antibiotics and medications. The incorrect use of these medications will make them ineffective against such bacteria. That’s the biggest threat.”
Sharing his experience in the field of medication, Dr. Al Qallaf added, “The most common diseases in our region are bacterial. Especially those affecting the respiratory system. It’s mainly because of our tough weather conditions. Repeatedly moving in-and-out from air-conditioned areas could be a main cause behind it.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, Ministry’s Undersecretary Dr. Aysha Buanq, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospital Affairs Dr. Waleed Al Manea, and other local and GCC health officials.
The event will be concluded today, after the announcement of the outcomes and recommendations of the conference.
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