Dead Sea, October 22 (Petra) – 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.

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 said health systems are not merely institutions or equipment, but the lifeline of humanity, emphasizing that their integration ensures the safety and continuity of societies.

Princess Basma warned that shortages of medicines, weak infrastructure, and the collapse of health systems pose threats to societies comparable to conflicts and wars.

Her Royal Highness underscored the importance of such events to share research and expertise to develop health systems, improve services, and ensure the human right to healthcare.

Princess Basma referred to the complete collapse of the health system in the Gaza Strip over the past two years, amid water and food shortages and rising malnutrition. Reports, she said, indicate that 43 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women suffer from malnutrition, alongside increased rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.

To date, she commended the "significant" progress achieved by the Jordanian medical sector and the competence of Jordanian professionals, making Jordan a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.

In turn, Applied Science University President Samiha Jarrah said the event reflects the partnership among health disciplines to achieve the future vision of integrated healthcare for patients and communities.

She pointed to the challenges facing the sector in the post-COVID-19 era, which require continuous policy updates and strategic planning to improve 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.

She noted the JFDA is finalizing the requirements for joining the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), reaching an advanced level of maturity under World Health Organization standards.

The conference discusses several medical topics, including pharmaceutical advances, chronic diseases, nutrition, health patterns, and epidemiology.

//Petra// NQ