Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Awad Tag El-Din, Presidential Advisor for Health and Prevention; and Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, inaugurated the 11th International Conference of the Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital.
In his speech, Prof. Awad Tag El-Din emphasized that Ain Shams University Hospitals have become a fully integrated medical city providing exceptional healthcare services, making them a destination for thousands of patients daily.
He commended the significant progress made by the hospitals in treating various types of cancer, highlighting the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the use of fiber optics in treatment, which reflects continuous advancements in therapeutic methods.
He also praised the national efforts to support Egypt's healthcare sector, particularly in oncology, underscoring the importance of collaboration between medical institutions and universities to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.
Dr. Tag El-Din highlighted the state's efforts to alleviate the burden on patients by providing the latest treatment technologies and focusing on prevention and early detection as essential steps in the fight against cancer.
He concluded his speech by calling for joint efforts among all concerned entities to deliver the best possible healthcare services to Egyptian citizens.
Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that the Ain Shams Medicine Conference holds significant importance as a distinguished scientific platform. It serves not only as an opportunity for knowledge exchange but also as a call for collaborative action, bringing together elite experts and researchers from Egypt and around the world to discuss the latest advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He highlighted the shared commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges and the ongoing fight against cancer, noting that cancer affects every community, family, and individual in some way. He also underscored the role of universities like Ain Shams University and the Medical Research Institute (MASRI) as hubs for knowledge, research, and innovation, contributing to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, he stressed their role in training the next generation of scientists, doctors, and policymakers in oncology to continue this critical and vital work.
Dr. Ashour reaffirmed his support for presidential initiatives aimed at advancing cancer research, education, and patient care.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, highlighted the unprecedented advancements in Egypt’s healthcare sector in recent years, attributing them to the significant support provided by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He pointed out the pivotal role of presidential initiatives, such as "100 Million Health," in promoting early cancer detection and raising public health awareness. He praised the effective role of the university's Oncology Hospital in implementing these initiatives.
Dr. Zain El-Abedeen described the conference as a unique opportunity to foster collaboration among various medical disciplines, particularly given the complexity of modern health challenges. He emphasized the conference's significance due to its wide local and international participation.
He also highlighted the diversity and comprehensiveness of this year’s conference agenda, which includes discussion sessions on advanced treatment methods for lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as the latest developments in immunotherapy, genetic therapies, and targeted treatments. Additional sessions address blood disorders, soft tissue tumors, and bone cancers, alongside workshops on cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting scientific research.
At the conclusion of his speech, the University President expressed his gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in organizing this important scientific event. He urged attendees to make the most of the various activities and contribute to formulating recommendations that would advance oncology care systems locally and internationally.
Dr. Mohamed Lotfy, CEO of the Egyptian Health Council, commended the significant efforts of Ain Shams University and the Supreme Committee for Oncology Guidelines. He highlighted the importance of the guidelines as one of the council's key activities, alongside the localization of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Egypt, particularly cancer drugs. He also noted that the Egyptian Health Council had accredited 14 training hours for the 11th Ain Shams University Conference.
In his remarks, Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chair of the University Hospitals Board, emphasized the unprecedented development of the Oncology Hospital at Ain Shams University. He stressed that patient care has become a responsibility shared by a multidisciplinary medical team rather than being an individual effort. Decisions on diagnosis and treatment are now made collaboratively based on meticulous research and thorough analysis.
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine praised the continuous efforts of the Oncology Department to provide outstanding medical services. He affirmed that the coming period would witness further advancements, solidifying Ain Shams University's position as an academic and research leader in oncology, with positive impacts on applied scientific research.
The conference was attended by prominent figures, including Major General Tarek El-Nagdy, President of the Military Medical Academy; Prof. Osama Abdel-Hay, President of the Medical Syndicate; Prof. Hesham El-Ghazaly, Director of the Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI) and Head of the Presidential Initiative for Women's Health; Prof. Enas Abdel-Hamid, Member of Parliament and Oncology Professor; Prof. Lobna Ezz El-Arab, Oncology Professor, Hospital Chair, and Conference President; and Prof. Ali Azmi, Head of the Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department. The event also welcomed a distinguished delegation of professors and experts from Egyptian universities, global cancer centers, and eight international experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and several Arab countries.
The conference featured the inauguration and draw for the "Oncolympics" matches, alongside sessions highlighting the achievements and future plans of the Egyptian Health Council. Another session by the Supreme Committee of Ain Shams University Hospitals explored the role of university hospitals in advancing oncology care. Additionally, a special session focused on supporting healthcare providers for cancer patients.
The conference offered five specialized workshops on diverse topics, including the role of oral and maxillofacial surgery in head and neck tumors and clinical pharmacy practices.