Over 450 medical students to take part in Oman meeting

Muscat: With the participation of more than 450 students from over 18 countries, Oman will host the 21st Regional Meeting of Medical Students’ Associations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region on Thursday,

Dr. Hind bint Yousef Al Balushi, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the meeting, said that hosting this event by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Medical Students Association (MedSCO), came after a tough competition among several countries, as it represents a strategic opportunity to enhance the presence of the Sultanate of Oman as a leading destination in the medical field at the regional and global levels.

She added that the event represents an opportunity to exchange ideas and share experiences, enhance health cooperation, and is a pivotal platform for empowering youth, as it inspires a new generation of leaders in the health field and enhances their participation in formulating sustainable solutions to local and international health challenges.

She explained that the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of this event supports its continuous presence on the map of countries by enabling young people to participate in international forums, exchange experiences and cultures, and build strategic relations with international delegations representing more than 18 countries, in addition to laying the first foundation for hosting large events in the future, such as the International Meeting of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA General Assembly).

She pointed out that the meeting is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ministry of Health, and will witness the participation of prominent international bodies, notably the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Middle East and North Africa Office (CDC MENA), as they will have a prominent presence as official speakers and members of the discussion panels and dialogue sessions.

She stated that this event will contribute to providing a platform to hone the skills of Omani youth in leadership, organisation and active participation, and graduate a batch of trainers internationally accredited by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations.

She pointed out that the annual regional meeting includes effective programmes through many general sessions, workshops and training sessions that address several topics, including non-communicable diseases, adolescent health and mental health, in addition to research competitions and an exhibition of projects and initiatives to exchange knowledge.

It is worth mentioning that the Medical Students Society of Oman (MedSCO) was established in 2006 and represents medical students at Sultan Qaboos University and the National University of Science and Technology.

It is an active member of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). It aims to empower Omani youth and provide them with the expertise, skills and values​​that qualify them to assume leadership roles in the health field locally and globally, in addition to serving the community and medical students in the Sultanate of Oman.

With inputs from ONA