Amman: Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal on Wednesday inaugurated the Health Sciences Conference, organized by the Applied Science University under the theme: "Excellence and Partnership in Healthcare," with the participation of researchers and experts from several countries.
According to Jordan News Agency, the conference aims to strengthen research cooperation and exchange expertise among health professionals and features workshops for students on patient safety, nutrition, artificial intelligence, physical therapy, behavior modification, and health promotion.
Talking at the opening ceremony, Princess Basma stated that health systems are not merely institutions or equipment but are fundamental to society. She emphasized that their integration is essential for the safety and continuity of societies.
Princess Basma highlighted the dangers posed by shortages of medicines, weak infrastructure, and the collapse of health systems, equating their impact to that of conflicts and wars.
Her Royal Highness stressed the importance of events like this to share research and expertise, develop health systems, improve services, and uphold the human right to healthcare.
Princess Basma pointed out the severe collapse of the health system in the Gaza Strip over the past two years, with issues such as water and food shortages and increasing malnutrition. Reports indicate that 43 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women suffer from malnutrition, along with rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
She praised the progress made by the Jordanian medical sector and the competence of Jordanian professionals, noting that Jordan has become a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.
Applied Science University President Samiha Jarrah remarked that the event reflects the partnership among health disciplines to achieve a future vision of integrated healthcare for patients and communities.
She addressed the challenges facing the sector in the post-COVID-19 era, emphasizing the need for continuous policy updates and strategic planning to enhance health services.
Director General of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Dr. Rana Obeidat, highlighted the JFDA's role in ensuring the safety and quality of food and medicines and in strengthening international cooperation through membership in global regulatory organizations.
Dr. Obeidat noted that the JFDA is finalizing the requirements for joining the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), having reached an advanced level of maturity under World Health Organization standards.
The conference covers several medical topics, including pharmaceutical advances, chronic diseases, nutrition, health patterns, and epidemiology.