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Qatar / Health

First rehabilitation conference to redefine care standards

Published: 17 Dec 2023 - 08:24 am | Last Updated: 17 Dec 2023 - 08:28 am
Image used for representation only.

Image used for representation only.

Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: The first Qatar International Rehabilitation Conference (QIRC-1) is set to be held in January 2024 and aims at serving as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of rehabilitation, organisers have announced.

Under the theme ‘Transforming Rehabilitation Practice: Exploring Global Trends, Advances and Innovations,’ the two-day conference will bring together local and international experts, including from Johns Hopkins Medicine, to share knowledge, experience, and research advancements to improve the quality of care and promote collaboration.

Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary team of experts, will play a significant role in hosting the conference.

“QIRC-1 serves as the catalyst for Qatar’s ascent to the forefront of global healthcare transformation. Our shared vision extends beyond the event, fostering a world-class rehabilitation paradigm that is universally accessible and affordable. This vision resonates with the very essence of human dignity, promising a future where everyone finds encouragement and empowerment through rehabilitation,” Deputy Chief Rehabilitation, Geriatrics and Long-Term Care, at HMC Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad has said in a welcome message. She emphasised that Qatar Rehabilitation Institute epitomises Qatar’s commitment by offering pioneering rehabilitation care that seamlessly unites affordability with unwavering quality.

With nearly 1,200 attendees expected, the conference will host a diverse range of sessions, including keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn from renowned international speakers, engage in discussions and contribute to the future of rehabilitation practice.

“Discussion topics have been chosen diligently to ensure alignment with the key theme of the conference while accommodating a diversified representation of expert speakers from all relevant disciplines across the globe,” said Chair of the Scientific Planning committee of the conference, Dr. Poovathoor Joseph Alexander.

“We are confident that this conference will create an environment where our delegates can collectively discuss unique opportunities and obstacles in the field of rehabilitation globally and locally, participate in collaborative work and arrive at outcomes and pathways that will enhance the quality and safety of patient care,” said Dr. Alexander, who is also a Consultant in Physical medicine and Rehabilitation at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute.

Highlighting the role of nursing services in rehabilitation, Mariam Al Mutawa, Acting Chief Nursing Officer at HMC, encouraged healthcare providers to join the conference.

“Rehabilitation involves diverse disciplines including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology. The significance of rehabilitation and promoting holistic healing designed to enable patients regain control over life and help them re integrate with the society with new found strength and ability,” she said in a video message.

“Nurses play a crucial role in rehabilitation by providing comprehensive care for individuals recovering from illnesses or surgery. We work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to help the patient regain independence and improve their quality of life,” Al Mutawa said.