Amman: Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, and in the presence of Princess Muna Al Hussein representing His Majesty, the eighth Healthcare Quality Conference and Exhibition opened on Tuesday in Amman, organized by the Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC). The event was attended by several princes, representatives of health bodies, international organizations, and experts from Jordan, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and beyond, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the quality of health services and establishing itself as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.
According to Jordan News Agency, the conference’s keynote speaker, Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, founding director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University and former ISQua president, shared his vision for the future of health systems and for advancing quality and safety. His insights draw on extensive academic experience, including over 900 publications and 17 books.
During the opening session, HCAC vice chair, Dr. Ruwaida Al Maaitah, emphasized the importance of the conference and the council’s role in promoting a culture of quality and patient safety. Conference president Reem Abu Hassan highlighted the significance of the scientific program covering innovation, digital transformation, and challenges facing regional healthcare systems.
The event features participation from more than 40 speakers from 15 countries, with attendees from various Arab and regional states, including Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Sudan, Turkey, and Syria. This diverse participation underscores its role as a leading platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange. The conference is convened in cooperation with the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), marking its first expanded regional presence.
More than 1,000 participants are attending the conference to exchange expertise under the theme “Patients Always at the Heart.” The event includes specialized scientific sessions on quality of care, digital health, artificial intelligence, patient safety, and accreditation systems. Additionally, it offers continuing professional development workshops, an exhibition featuring health-sector institutions and companies, and a scientific poster competition showcasing quality improvement initiatives.
Fawzi Al Hammouri, president of the Private Hospitals Association and CEO of the “Health for Gaza” initiative, moderated the first session, titled “Health Sector Resilience and Safe Care in Conflict Zones.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the health sector under international law, noting that the Geneva Conventions and UN Security Council Resolution 2286 guarantee the protection of health facilities and workers. He reported that Gaza’s health sector had experienced unprecedented violations over the past two years, with more than 1,700 health personnel killed, around 360 detained, and 25 of 38 hospitals out of service due to 825 attacks. Additionally, there are restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical supplies.
The conference is set to conclude on Wednesday with the announcement of key recommendations and outcomes supporting the development of health systems in Jordan and the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the advancement of service quality and patient safety.