The 16th Annual Heart Center Conference and the 7th Diagnostic Cardiac Imaging Conference officially began today in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a.
The two-day conference is being attended by a number of state officials, including Dr. Abdulaziz bin Habtour, a member of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen.
In his opening speech, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Habtour emphasized that patients have been the primary victims of the ongoing US-backed Saudi-led aggression and blockade, which have now lasted for a decade.
He pointed out that many patients in Yemen have lost their lives due to the hardships of traveling for medical care, especially under the difficult conditions created by the war.
Dr. bin Habtour highlighted that despite the ongoing aggression, scientific conferences and medical advancements continue in Sana’a, with Yemeni doctors striving to improve medical services.
He also noted that cardiology is one of the most complex and delicate medical specialties, but Yemeni doctors have managed to achieve significant scientific accomplishments despite the challenges of the blockade and war.
In addition, Dr. bin Habtour condemned the continuous Israeli airstrikes on hospitals in Gaza, stating that even as of today, hospitals in Gaza are still being bombed due to the brutality of the US and the West.
Minister of Public Health, Dr. Abdulkarim Shiban, also spoke at the conference, acknowledging that working under the conditions of the blockade and war is difficult but that significant progress has been made.
He emphasized that Yemen has a highly capable medical workforce.
Dr. Shiban further addressed the misconceptions surrounding Yemeni doctors and healthcare, clarifying that much of the criticism is unfounded and exaggerated.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Kibsi, Chairman of the Conference’s Preparatory Committee, explained that the conference would discuss numerous scientific papers, focusing on the latest developments in cardiology.
He stated that the goal of the conference is to keep pace with global advancements in heart medicine.
Dr. Hemdan Bajri, Chairman of the Conference, noted that the medical professionals attending the event consider themselves “soldiers” on the frontlines in the battle against their enemies.
He emphasized Yemen’s firm stance on supporting the Palestinian cause and reiterated the country’s commitment to its principles and values.
The conference has attracted a distinguished group of doctors, experts, and specialists from both within Yemen and abroad. It aims to enrich knowledge, exchange expertise, and explore the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, in line with international recommendations.
Throughout the course of the event, which will continue until November 7, the conference will cover modern techniques in cardiac imaging.
Additionally, workshops and surgical operations on heart and vascular diseases will be conducted, providing valuable training for Yemen’s medical staff on the sidelines of the event.
