The 6th Pan-Arab Regional Congress and the 6th Maghreb Regional Congress of Military Medicine, opened on Wednesday, in Marrakech under the patronage of King Mohammed VI. The four-day conference, hosted by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) Health Service Inspectorate and the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) is focusing on challenges to tomorrow’s military medicine.
Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense; Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection; Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation; Tunisian Mounir Azaiez Chairman of the Pan-Arab and Maghreb Regional Working Group for Military Medicine; General Mohamed El Abbar, Inspector of the Royal Armed Forces Military Health Service; the Secretary General of the CIMM; and Lieutenant-General Pierre Neirinckx all attended the opening session of the important conference.
The opening session featured the screening of a short film showcasing the Royal Armed Forces’ contribution to relief efforts for the Al Haouz earthquake, and a presentation of a paper entitled “The History of Arab-Islamic Medicine” by professor Najia Hajjaj Hassouni.
In a speech at the event, Minister Loudyi noted the importance of greater mobilization and resolution of global crises including conflicts, displacement of vulnerable populations, natural catastrophes, climate change, and epidemics.
He recounted the previous efforts of the Royal Armed Forces in supplementing medical services, pursuant to the directives of King Mohammed VI, including providing rescue, assistance, and support operations following the earthquake.
He highlighted the crucial role of military medicine in the earthquake’s aftermath, owing to the Military Health Inspectorate’s quick intervention in providing medical care, logistical and social support.
The forum will examine future challenges in the field of military medicine and showcase the health services provided by the Royal Armed Forces, such as therapy and medical care, humanitarian assistance, and scientific research, according to Loudiyi. It will also address the difficulties of managing medical and paramedical human resources in military medical facilities, underscoring the need for improved care quality and military management of resources.
Major General Mohamed El Abbar, Inspector of the FAR’s Military Health Service, addressed the constant challenges posed by armed wars, natural disasters, and lethal epidemics. He urged more efforts and capacity-building in order to adapt to changing conditions and handle difficulties with professionalism.
El Abbar advised the military medical sector to take immediate, medium- and long-term initiatives based on a forward-looking vision, while simultaneously enhancing logistical, operational, and organizational strengths. The goal is to improve the care of victims, whether civilian or military, and offer them the most appropriate treatment.
The Congress on Military Medicine in Morocco, attended by researchers, military health professionals, and delegations from Arab countries, focuses on issues such as casualty care, humanitarian support, infectious diseases, scientific research, human resources, and the role of new technologies in military health management.
Round tables and workshops will also be held at the Congress to exchange expertise and best practices in the field.
Participating countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, the Union of the Comoros, Djibouti, Libya, and Palestine.