JEDDAH, 6 May — Experts from a number of medical specialities are attending the “e-Health-2001” conference and exhibition hosted by the First International e-Health Association.
Organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center at Le Meridian Hotel in Jeddah, the conference was opened by Prince Abdul Majeed ibn Abdul Aziz, governor of Makkah Region.
The four-day program began with an opening ceremony which included welcoming speeches and a tour of the exhibition. In his speech, Dr. Sultan Bahabri, chairman, and chief executive officer, KFSH&RC, said that this conference was unique in many ways.
“This is the first international conference to go beyond borders to achieve its objectives from the information revolution,” he said. Dr. Bahabri added that the conference had attracted leading medical figures from around the world.
“This is the first conference to have full coverage through the Internet and be transmitted to specialists in more than 45 countries.” It is being broadcast from Jeddah to all Arab countries via Arabsat.
Dr. Bahabri announced the launching of a new site “Health Gulf” for those working in the medical field in the eastern Mediterranean region.
He also announced the launching of the third stage of the National Telemedicine Network. “This is a great step in using technology to help people all over the country,” he added.
Dr. Abdullah Al Amro, treasurer and host country member, said that Health Gulf is a project established as a joint venture between KFSH&RC and Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz’s Telemedicine program. It connects all medical centers and hospitals along with the doctors to free Internet access. “Over 10,000 doctors in the Kingdom are participating,” said Dr. Al Amro adding that the site is divided into four sections.
The first section concentrates on the electronic education; the second connects hospitals. The third section involves medical consultation to provide the patients and consultants with all that is needed concerning their medical problem. The fourth section includes medical information for the general public.
After touring the exhibition, the governor praised what he had seen and expressed his satisfaction. “I am happy that we have reached this stage of modernization and I wish the group the best of luck in making this conference a complete success,” said Prince Abdul Majeed.
