Amman: The eighth session of the Conference of Health Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) began on Wednesday in Amman, gathering ministers, senior officials from member states, and representatives from regional and international health organizations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the conference follows a preparatory meeting held on Tuesday, which focused on reviewing final arrangements. Discussions during the conference are set to cover shared health issues, reports from member states and OIC institutions, and nominations for the Health Steering Committee. Jordan has taken over the presidency from the UAE, which chaired the previous session in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
Deputizing for the Prime Minister, Minister of Health Dr. Ibrahim Badour highlighted the significance of the conference during a time of growing health, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. Emphasizing collective action under the theme "Health is Our Shared Responsibility," Dr. Badour reiterated Jordan's support for the Gaza Strip, in line with directives from His Majesty King Abdullah II, which include relief convoys, medical treatment, and the operations of the Jordanian field hospital.
Dr. Badour further affirmed Jordan's commitment to fostering coordination and the exchange of expertise among member states. He praised the efforts of the OIC General Secretariat and the organizing bodies for their role in making the conference successful. Additionally, he noted that hosting the conference underscores Jordan's position in medical and wellness tourism and its reputable medical standing regionally and internationally.
Dr. Daoud Hanania, specializing in cardiac surgery, noted that the event serves as a crucial platform for exchanging expertise and bolstering health systems across OIC countries. He commended the humanitarian vision of the late King Hussein and the continuous support of King Abdullah II in advancing medical excellence and the health sector in Jordan.
The conference also featured a dialogue focused on "Enhancing Immunity and Equity in Health Systems to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in OIC Countries." Additionally, a session on medical tourism in Jordan is scheduled for Thursday. The event hosts 56 delegations, led by health ministers or their representatives.