1st National Drug Security Conference Launches in Amman.

AMMAN: The first National Drug Security Conference commenced on Saturday under the theme "Safeguarding Sustainability". Organized by the Jordanian Charity Medicine Bank in partnership with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), and the Jordan Pharmacists Association (JPA), the event also saw cooperation from the Ministry of Health, the Royal Medical Services (RMS), and other relevant stakeholders. According to Jordan News Agency, JFDA Director General Nizar Mheidat highlighted the importance of achieving drug security as a priority at both the health and national levels. He acknowledged His Majesty King Abdullah's proactive vision in including food and drug security as key national priorities. Mheidat noted Jordan's position as a leading country in drug manufacturing with 8,877 registered medicines being exported to 78 global markets. Mheidat elaborated on the JFDA's efforts in enhancing drug security by continuously monitoring strategic stockpiles, ensuring local market coverage, and strengthenin g procedures related to the registration, import, and circulation of medicines. He mentioned the issuance of drug registration instructions prioritizing the registration of medicines essential for achieving drug security while ensuring their safety and effectiveness. Raafat Abu Saleh, JPA Vice President, stated that the conference aligns with the royal visions of economic modernization which focus on developing policies to ensure the provision of effective and safe medicines within reliable supply chains. Abu Saleh also emphasized JFDA's role in maintaining high standards in attracting and providing medicines to the Jordanian community. He highlighted the recent inauguration of the largest public sector strategic medical inventory warehouse by His Majesty the King, aimed at ensuring a safe stockpile and sustainable supply chains as a significant step towards drug sustainability and security. Ashraf Kilani, director general of the local organization "Kingdom Sons", shared that the idea of launching a charity medicine bank emerged from field visits with royal initiatives to governorates and observing the humanitarian services provided to underprivileged citizens in remote areas. Director of the Jordanian Charity Medicine Bank, Wasfi Nawafleh, stated that the professional scientific conference serves to fulfill royal visions and directives in bolstering Jordan's drug security system. Nawafleh expressed confidence that the conference would foster creative cooperation and result in practical recommendations to achieve the collective goals of all participating entities. Rana Malkawi, head of JFDA's Drug Directorate, announced that the conference sessions would explore various themes crucial for enhancing the drug security system. The professional theme includes discussions on ensuring access to safe and effective medicines, supporting a strong local drug industry, and comprehensive health coverage's impact on drug security. The scientific theme encompasses lectures on pharmaceutical strategies in emergencies, combat ing antibiotic resistance, pharmacovigilance's role in reporting side effects, modern applications in nanotechnology, biotechnology's importance, and more. Additionally, the conference features an exhibition for drug companies and warehouses and a scientific poster presentation.