Amman, Nov. 19 (Petra) The Eighth Conference of the Jordanian Society of Rheumatology (JSR) opened in Amman on Wednesday, held jointly with the Third Palestinian Rheumatology Conference and the Fourth Levant Rheumatology Summit, bringing together more than 250 physicians and specialists from Jordan, Palestine and several Arab countries to review the latest scientific advances and strengthen regional cooperation in the field.

Minister of Health Ibrahim Al Bdour, who patronized the event, said sustained Royal support has been the foundation of Jordan’s medical progress, noting His Majesty King Abdullah’s continued commitment to advancing medical education and scientific research. He also underlined the depth of Jordanian-Palestinian ties and reaffirmed Jordan’s ongoing provision of medical care to Palestinians through its field hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank.

President of the Jordan Medical Association Dr. Issa Al-Khashashneh praised the joint conference and commended the strong Palestinian participation despite difficult circumstances, expressing appreciation for Palestinian physicians and for the Jordanian society’s efforts in advancing the specialty.

President of the Jordanian Society of Rheumatology Dr. Wafa Mdanat said the society has completed the initial phases of establishing the National Rheumatology Registry, which will provide a reliable data foundation for improving patient care. She highlighted the importance of the regional cooperation embodied by this joint gathering.

Arab League of Rheumatology President Dr. Nizar Abdul Latif said such conferences help unify Arab professional efforts and enhance the exchange of expertise to improve services for patients with rheumatic diseases.

President of the Palestinian Rheumatology Society Dr. Riyad Eid thanked Jordan for hosting the third Palestinian conference, calling it a reflection of the deep fraternal relationship and Jordan’s significant support for the Palestinian health sector at both leadership and popular levels.

Scientific Committee Chair Dr. Mohammad Abu Jbara said the conference features 50 lectures delivered by over 40 specialists, alongside panel discussions, workshops, 16 scientific posters, an Arab league meeting and a specialized medical exhibition.

Professor Kamel Ajlouni delivered a commemorative lecture outlining the health challenges facing Palestinians in Gaza and Jerusalem and praised Jordan’s historic and continued humanitarian and medical support through its field hospitals.

//Petra// AF