Doha, November 12 (QNA) - In the presence of HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Qatar Health Congress 2026 officially opened Thursday.

Organized by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the congress has brought together more than 1,500 physicians, specialists, healthcare leaders and public health experts from Qatar, the Gulf region, and around the world.

The congress, which runs until No. 14, serves as a scientific and professional platform that brings together local, regional and international expertise to promote knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration across a wide range of healthcare disciplines. It also provides an opportunity to discuss best practices and innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

Chief Medical Officer at HMC Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Jelham said: "Qatar Health Congress 2026 reflects HMC's ongoing commitment to investing in knowledge, innovation and capacity building, while drawing on local, regional and international expertise to advance healthcare services. The congress provides an important platform that brings together leading experts and specialists to discuss the latest scientific developments and evidence-based practices, contributing to enhanced quality of care, patient safety and improved health outcomes."

Co-Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee and Director of the Department of Medical Education Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal said: "Qatar Health Congress 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for healthcare professionals from Qatar, the region and around the world to learn and exchange expertise. The diversity of the scientific program, with its lectures, workshops, interactive sessions and scientific research presentations, reflects the importance of continuing medical education in keeping pace with rapid developments in healthcare and translating knowledge and innovation into practices that directly enhance the quality of patient care. The congress is distinguished by its focus on patient-centred care across surgical specialties, trauma and emergency medicine, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in support of these fields. It also features the participation of medical students from 22 countries in scientific competitions."

The congress features four specialized scientific tracks comprising live scientific lectures, panel discussions, interactive sessions and scientific research presentations. It also includes dedicated sessions highlighting the latest developments in critical care, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, perioperative medicine, pre-hospital care, trauma and injury nursing, quality improvement, clinical research, medical education, and artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare.

The congress also offers participants the opportunity to network and exchange knowledge and expertise with more than 200 experts and specialists from the region and around the world in the fields of emergency medicine, trauma surgery and related specialties, further strengthening professional and scientific collaboration and supporting the exchange of best practices at both regional and international levels.

The congress program also featured a range of events, including a live simulation exercise on major incident and disaster response conducted by the HMC Ambulance Service. The exercise showcased the preparedness of medical teams, coordination mechanisms, rapid response procedures and the management of large-scale incidents in accordance with international best practices. (QNA)