Jericho Hosts Major Medical Conference with Hundreds of Experts

A scientific conference hosted by Augusta Victoria Hospital, also known as Al-Mutlaa Hospital, commenced in Jericho on Tuesday and will run for two days. The event has drawn approximately 400 physicians, researchers, and consultants from Al-Mutlaa Hospital, local medical facilities, and university medical schools. International medical professionals are also participating both in person and online.

The conference features seven specialized scientific sessions focusing on the latest research and therapeutic techniques for diseases treated by Al-Mutlaa Hospital. The primary goals are to update medical protocols, foster knowledge and experience exchange, and enhance collaboration between Palestinian and international medical teams to keep pace with modern medical advancements and improve healthcare quality. The hospital aims to solidify its role as a leading medical institution, extending its impact beyond patient care to contribute to medical knowledge development.

Dr. Fadi Al-Atrash, Director General of Augusta Victoria Hospital, emphasized that the hospital not only adopts global medical protocols but also actively contributes to enriching medical knowledge through its team's accumulated expertise. He highlighted recent achievements, including advancements in the radiation therapy department, transitioning from palliative to therapeutic interventions, and initiating bone marrow transplants from donors. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to establish a comprehensive national program for this service in Palestine.

Dr. Al-Atrash also stressed the ongoing commitment to ensuring that patients from the Gaza Strip can return to hospitals in East Jerusalem, which he described as the backbone of the Palestinian health system. Dr. Hani Abdeen, Medical Director of Al-Mutlaa Hospital, noted that participation in the conference, including the submission of research papers, exceeded the organizing committee's expectations. He indicated that another conference is planned to discuss high-quality research that could not be covered in the current event.

The first day's sessions covered developments in radiation therapy, reconstructive surgery for cancer patients, Al-Mutlaa's experience with targeted radiation therapy, and its role in localizing autologous and donor bone marrow transplants, supported by molecular genetic testing conducted in the hospital's labs. The second day's discussions will focus on gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic cancers, as well as the latest treatments for breast, lung, and soft tissue cancers.

Dr. Salah Al-Hashlamoun, Head of the Palestinian Doctors Syndicate, praised the conference as a product of continuous, collaborative effort by the Al-Mutlaa Hospital team, aiming to elevate medical services. He expressed hope that the conference outcomes would be built upon in the future and that subsequent sessions could be held in Jerusalem. Ms. Sieglinde Weinbrenner of the Lutheran World Federation in Jerusalem acknowledged the federation's support for the conference and commended the hospital team's dedication, particularly their work under challenging circumstances in Gaza.