Sheikh Saud opens RAK Med- 2007

Inaugurating the two- day long Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Dental International Conference and Exhibition- RAK Med 2007 at Al Hamra Fort Hotel here, Sheikh Saud said, "Development doesn't solely depend on building factories and high- rise buildings, but should take into account the most important element of developing the human potential".

Sheikh Saud said that investment in human resources would be a key priority for the Government in the development planning for Ras Al Khaimah and said that investments in education and healthcare would lay the foundation for sustainable development. "We are committed towards developing world- class institutions in healthcare and education in the Emirate and we are happy that RAK has already laid the foundations for creating centers of excellence in both the sectors".

RAK Med- 2007 organised by the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) in association with the Ministry of Health, RAK Medical District witnessed the participation of distinguished medical professionals, scientists and various stakeholders in the healthcare sector from across the world. The conference, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, featured seminars, scientific presentations, workshops and a medical exhibition showcasing the latest developments and technical advancements in the field of medicine.

The programme is attended by over 200 delegates in its two main sessions- The RAK Medical Forum and the Al Hamra Dental Meeting (Odentex 2007).

The first day of the conference discussed the latest trends in Leadership in Healthcare Quality, Advancements in Medical Radiology and Imaging, Management of Hepatitis- B and Hepatitis- C, and Human Healthcare Rights, among other topics.

Dr. Yasser Al Nuaimi, Director of the Department of Curative Medicine, UAE Ministry of Health, said that efforts are on in full swing to considerably enhance the medical facilities in Ras Al Khaimah. He said that the blueprint for the setting up of a 500- bed specialty hospital in Ras Al Khaimah is getting finalized and added that the hospital would be commissioned by 2010. "There are lots of developments taking place in the private sector as well and a new hospital being built next to Saqr Hospital in the Emirate would be opened soon," he added.

Sheikh Saud presented a memento to Lt. General Paramjit Singh of the Indian Army's Dental Corps at the inaugural function. Dr. Gurumadhva Rao, Vice Chancellor, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University also spoke at the inaugural session.