The First Euro-Arab Medical Conference 2025 convened in Damascus, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the Union of Syrian Doctors and Pharmacists in France, the Union of Arab Doctors and Pharmacists in Austria, and the European Arab Medical Association.
The event gathered a distinguished group of doctors and pharmacists from Syria, Europe, the US, and Gulf countries, aiming to exchange scientific expertise, enhance medical education, and strengthen Syrian hospitals with renewed competencies and international experience.
Minister of Higher Education Dr. Marwan al-Halabi described the gathering as “a scientific bridge uniting over 1,000 doctors through over 200 lectures and medical workshops across university hospitals.”
He added that the workshops, held in university and Ministry of Health facilities, focus on improving practical training, performing specialized surgeries, and introducing advanced diagnostic tools. Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Khair emphasized that the ministry supports the idea that “knowledge is not limited to religious sciences but includes all sciences that benefit humanity.”
Reconnecting Syrian Expertise Abroad
Conference President Dr. Abdulmunim Hamid, who also heads the Union of Syrian Doctors and Pharmacists in France, stated that the primary goal is to strengthen cooperation between Syrian doctors in Europe and their counterparts at home, promoting the transfer of modern techniques and best practices.
Dr. Tammam Kilan, President of the European Arab Medical Association and Head of the Union of Arab Doctors and Pharmacists in Austria, called this the first such event “after liberation,” describing the association as “a bridge of communication between Europe and Syria.” On the sidelines of the event, Dr. al-Halabi inaugurated a medical equipment and pharmaceutical exhibition, featuring 12 companies providing hospital supplies and technologies.
From the UAE, plastic surgery consultant Dr. Adham Mansour highlighted ongoing efforts by Arab and Syrian doctors abroad to unify their expertise, including initiatives such as the Syrian Competencies Network in Britain for medical and nursing training. He also noted the Union’s humanitarian contributions, including the opening of three charitable clinics and the installation of numerous dialysis machines in hospitals across Syria.
Revitalizing Syria’s Healthcare System
Among the speakers was neurologist Dr. Samir Kazkaz, who returned from Germany after being prevented by the Assad regime from visiting Syria for 47 years. A founding member of the Arab Doctors Union in Europe, Kazkaz previously worked in field hospitals in Atmeh, Idlib, during the Syrian revolution.
He said the conference “marks a new beginning for medicine in Syria,” helping transfer modern medical knowledge and advanced practices from abroad to local institutions. The First Euro-Arab Medical Conference represents more than a scientific meeting—it is a renewed link between Syrian expertise at home and abroad, serving as a foundation for revitalizing the healthcare system through joint training, innovation, and professional collaboration.
