HRH Prince Mitib bin Abdullah, Deputy Commander National Guard for Executive Affairs launched on Tuesday, November 2nd 2010 the opening ceremony for the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center Annual Scientific Forum. The meeting was organized by the National Guard Health Affairs under the title "Improving Health Care through Research" with the attendance of a number of experts, researchers and international and local expert speakers.
In his speech, HRH Prince Mitib bin Abdullah pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia devotes a lot of resources to emphasize the important role science and knowledge play in the development of nations. He stated that the recent steady increase in the number of universities, internal and external scholarship programs and their educational outputs are a clear indicators of the continuous endeavors for overall development in many fields, the health sector being one of its main focuses. Moreover, he commended the organization of such events and conferences which present an opportunity for researchers and specialists to exchange valuable experience and to learn of the latest advancements in the Medical field.
Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, the Chief Executive Officer, NGHA, President, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and General Supervisor, Royal Clinics expressed that the National Guard Health Affairs maintains the development of its services through utilizing medical education and scientific research. He pointed out the importance of medical research in solving many health problems as carried out by King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, and the importance of establishing such seminars and scientific meetings that honors researchers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and supports research and exchange of experiences.
Dr. Mohammed Al Jumah, the Executive Director for King Abduallah International Medical Research Center, also indicated that this meeting is an extension to what the Kingdom is witnessing under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to sponsor education, the outcome of was the establishment of many scientific universities and colleges a result of which was the National Guard Health Affairs opening its own medical university (KSAU-HS), as well as establishing King Abdullah International Medical Research Center.
It is important to note that the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center is focusing on the establishment of the Saudi Bio-Bank which aims to create designed case studies to investigate constitutional and environmental factors that influence the development of some chronic diseases in men and women who are free of these conditions at the outset. Furthermore, it seeks to establish an animal research center, and to carryout research in the field of NANO technology and radionuclide, which are key to future diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.
In the ceremony, HRH Prince Mitib bin Abdullah honored the winners of the Third Research Award for 2010, organized by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, for the years 2008 - 2009 - 2010. The award has three categories; Young Researcher Award, Researcher Award and Senior Researcher Award.
Winners for the year 2008:
• Dr. Ali Hajeer
• Dr. Hamdan Al Jahdali
• Dr. Mohammed Al Zamakshary
Winners for the year 2009:
• Dr. Yaseen Arabi
• Dr. Hanan Balkhy
• Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Ahmed
Winners for the year 2010:
• Dr. Abdullah Al Sayyari
• Dr. Abdulhalim Kinsara
• Dr. Mowafa Hoaseh
It is worth mentioning that more than 120 papers were presented in the following fields: clinical research, basic science research, medical education, and social and administrative health research.