Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid General Director of Dubai Health Authority and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, opened 5th ISN Update Course in Nephrology 2011 (ISN 2011), today evening, at Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

 

The 4-days conference is organized by Emirates Society of Nephrology in collaboration with International Society of Nephrology, Arab Society of Nephrology and Saudi Society of Nephrology, supported by Dubai Health Authority and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, with participation of 700 doctors and health sectors' workers from more than 34 countries.

 

 

 

During the opening ceremony, HE Qadhi Saeed AL Murooshid delivered the speech of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in which HH said: "As we are, eagerly, looking forward to declare effective recommendations and decisions, we wish to release the medical constitution entitled "Dubai Nephrology Protocol", including modern medical research papers, experiments and techniques used in that field of medicine".

 

"We appreciate selecting Dubai as the permanent host country for the International Society of Nephrology Conference. It is a testament to the status of our beloved country, under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the persistent follow-up by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the blessing of their brethren, the members of the Supreme Council of the Federation, Rulers of the Emirates, who all keen on developing UAE in all sectors, especially the healthcare sector, through using the highest international standards including developing qualified medical staff, establishing the required health infrastructure including hospitals and research centers, using modern technical aspects including sophisticated equipment and machinery, and improving the educational aspect through the construction of universities and research centers, and holding conferences and seminars", HH Sheikh Hamdan added.

 

"The directives of our prudent Government have been the real propeller behind developing medical sectors and keeping pace with advances in various medical sciences, including nephrology and kidney surgery. UAE has managed to achieve qualitative leaps in terms of diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.  UAE has occupied a high position in this field through launching and sponsoring the renal transplantation program in many hospitals and holding training courses for medical sectors' workers. Also, UAE Ministry of Health and Dubai Health Authority bear the responsibility of the treatment of patients with renal failure. Now, many patients with renal failure are treated in UAE hospitals, and UAE has achieved outstanding scientific achievements in that field", HH Sheikh Hamdan said.

 

"Holding the Conference in Dubai reflects our commitment on providing services with the highest standards for patients with kidney diseases, and supporting channels of communication among nephrologists all over the world to exchange experiences and knowledge, and review the latest scientific findings in that field of medicine, which is of high importance for communities, governments, specialized institutions, and researchers because of its serious complications on human life", HH Sheikh Hamdan said.

 

Finally, HH Sheikh Hamdan appreciated all the efforts exerted by the conference's organizers and participants wishing them all the best. Then, Prof. John Feehally, President of International Society of Nephrology delivered a speech in which he spoke about the mission of the Society on developing diagnosis, treatment and prevention programs in that field of medicine in developing and developed countries on equal terms.

 

He spoke about the society's efforts to reach the voice of kidney diseases to World Health Organization, and help devastated communities, during crisis times, thorough its Renal Disaster Relief Task Force.

 

Also, Dr William Couser, President of Renal Services Development Association said: "My first visit to Dubai was to attend this course 4 years ago in 2007. Besides the UAE hospitality, I discovered the major role of Dubai in Continuing Nephrology Education in the Middle East".

 

"During that conference, the Steering Committee for the joint ISN-TTS initiative to combat organ trafficking was formed, followed by the later meeting in Istanbul, and the issuance of the Declaration of Istanbul which is considered a legal platform for organ transplantation, to protect the rights of organ donors and recipients", He added.

 

Then, Dr. Mona Al Rukhaimy President of the Conference and Chairman of Emirates Society of Nephrology, delivered a speech in which she said: "We prepared to hold the conference after the World Diabetes Congress, which was held for the first time in Dubai, the Middle East and North African during 4-8 December, because diabetes is one of the most important causes of renal failure in the developed and developing countries alike".

 

"The Conference will cover several topics. We started off with two distinctive preconference courses, one in renal pathology and the other in interventional nephrology, which has been held today with astonishing attendance. The scientific program will start from tomorrow for three days with state of the art lectures and workshops concentrating on glomerular diseases ,AKI ,dialysis and transplantation and a unique ISN-GO Regional Middle East Workshop for the first time in the Middle East", she added.

 

 

 

During the Opening Ceremony, 2 personalities were honored. The 1st was Mr. Abdul Rahman Saif Abdul Rahman, for being the longest Emirati survivor on hemodialysis for 30 years. The 2ND was Mr. Khalid Abdul Ghafoor Fakihi, for being the longest Emirati survivor of kidney transplant, 37 years ago.

 

"Special recognition went to Dr. Avinash Pingle, the founder of the renal service in UAE, in 1976, who has worked with all sincerity and dedication for more than thirty years.

 

The International Society of Nephrology, Global Outreach Program, was also honored for its distinguished efforts in the Middle East.

 

Then HE Qadhi Al Meroushid opened the exhibition, in which 17 medical companies participate to present the latest technology used in that field of medicine.