JEDDAH: With the support of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Society opened the 10th International Conference on Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Jeddah on Tuesday.

The three-day conference, which concludes today, has the participation of 1,500 international speakers, experts and specialists of medicine from the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

Dr. Abdulrahman A. Hagr, president, Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Society, said the government’s strong support indicates its keenness to improve the quality of ENT and other health services. “No doubt, the government is supporting the health sector and making serious efforts to develop it further.”

The conference has assumed significance and importance as a large number of specialists and experts have assembled to discuss the latest forms of treatment, equipment, and methods to improve hearing and cochlear implant.

Dr. Mohammed Shanbari, secretary general of the society and president of the conference, said the conference is held every two years to review key medical findings in various fields, especially in ENT.

The conference agenda includes discussions on cosmetic facial surgery, cochlear implant, audiology, speech therapy and balance, tumors of the head and neck, as well as ENT surgery in children.

Simple ENT problems could also lead to many chronic diseases, including pulmonary and respiratory diseases, which have become dreadful and need concerted efforts to curb their spread, he added.

On its sidelines, the conference provides a platform for sharing and exchanging health solutions, new medical innovations, meetings, working papers, workshops and health specialties with 30-hour medical education.

It also has a related exhibition in which pharmaceutical companies. and their suppliers and distributors are showcasing the latest products and services in the ENT and other health care sectors.