DOHA: Trauma is the second major cause of deaths in the region, coming ahead of cardiovascular diseases.
As part of efforts to raise awareness on this issue, the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is organising the first Qatar Surgical Society Symposium and the third Annual Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Conference from February 25 to 27.
Dr Hassan Al Thani, Head of HMC’s Trauma Service and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, and Dr Abdulwahab Al Musleh, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said that the conference will pave the way for establishing the Qatar Chapter of ATLS for the Mena region.
“This would be a significant and important event as we are working towards establishing an integrated trauma system in Qatar that will be verified as a Level 1 Trauma Centre by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma,” said Dr Hassan.
“Trauma is a leading cause of mortality in the region for people below the age of 40, coming ahead of cardiovascular causes.
“Under the National Health Strategy, prevention is a primary goal along with the development of our trauma system.
“To achieve these goals we are pursuing education of healthcare professionals and working to raise awareness about trauma in general, as well as issues of road safety,” he added.
He said that HMC had already established ATLS courses in Qatar — one of the first countries in the Middle East to do so, following Saudi Arabia – but these courses were considered part of the Saudi Chapter.
“Establishing our own chapter will allow the work of the HMC staff to be recognised on a higher level, not only locally but also internationally,” he added.
The workshop, symposium and conference will feature about 250 delegates and 35 speakers from the Mena region, North America and Europe, including international experts known for their published papers. The programme offers a multidisciplinary approach to topics, including trauma, transplant, colorectal and general surgery and research.
The Peninsula
