Ministry of Health's 7th Symposium on Family Medicine to focus on women's health

UAE, October 31, 2015 - The Ministry of Health, represented by the Committee on Continuing Medical Education in Dubai Medical District, hosted today (31 October, 2015) the “Seventh Symposium on Family Medicine” titled ‘Women’s Health in Primary Health Care.’ Sponsored by Bayer, the seminar at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai on Airport Road will be organized for the benefit of primary healthcare physicians, nurses, pharmacists and technicians in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.  

The lecture, which counted count for 4.5 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit, addressed important issues such as cervical cancer and its prevention by vaccination, the latest updates on detection of osteoporosis, family planning, depression during pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, and breast cancer. Additionally, the event aims to improve the communication skills of primary care physicians in the UAE.

H.E. Dr. Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor, the Ministry of Health’s Assistant Undersecretary and Director of Dubai Medical District, highlighted the commitment of the country’s leaders to high-quality healthcare services and the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance local health services. H.E. said the Ministry will continue to support the government’s vision under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

H.E. Al Budoor said: “The symposium aims to focus on primary healthcare for women, in addition to the skills of our medical practitioners and family physicians and related development training programs to increase the standard of professionalism in the country in accordance with the Ministry’s objectives.”  

Statistics show that breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.2 million cases of breast cancer are being diagnosed every year. The American Cancer Society has noted, however, that the breast cancer rate has fallen steadily since 1990 thanks to early detection and advanced treatment methods. 

Dr. Maryam Shaker, Consulting Family Medicine and Director of Muhaisnah Health Center, Head of CME Committee and Head of Training and Development in Public Health Committee, said the seminar falls in line with the Ministry’s objectives of enhancing public health, increasing community awareness, and delivering comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services according to international standards.