The first Moroccan-American Medical Days were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Laâyoune, with the aim of improving the quality of healthcare and enhancing the skills of doctors in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region.
Organised by the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laâyoune, in collaboration with Saint Francis Hospital in New York (USA) and in partnership with the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, this scientific event aims to strengthen collaboration between Moroccan and American healthcare establishments, exchange medical expertise, foster the development of healthcare professionals’ skills, and promote innovation in medicine and surgery.
Seven American doctors from various specialities—endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynaecology-obstetrics, and paediatrics—took part in the conclave to enable local specialists to learn about the latest medical advances and thus improve medical care in the region.
Fatima Zahra El Hafidi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Laâyoune, emphasised the importance of this kind of initiative in promoting professional exchanges between American and Moroccan doctors, encouraging medical innovation, and enhancing the quality of care in the region.
Mrs. El Hafidi noted that Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra is endowed with qualified human resources in the medical field, as well as quality research and health establishments, pointing out that the holding of these medical days in Laâyoune reflects the region’s commitment to becoming a medical centre of excellence.
On this occasion, a partnership agreement was signed between Saint Francis Hospital in New York and the regional hospitals of Laâyoune, with a view to establishing a framework for collaboration between the health establishments concerned in the fields of medical education, training, and research, with the aim of improving the quality of care.
Under the terms of the agreement, signed by the representative of Saint Francis Hospital in New York, Meyer Abittan, and the Regional Director of Health and Social Protection, Ali Houari, the two parties agree to collaborate in areas relating to medical training, research and innovation, and telemedicine, as well as the exchange of best practices.
As part of the Moroccan-American Medical Days, Dr. Jon Batash, in his capacity as Medical Director of Post-Acute Care, gave a presentation focusing on the multidisciplinary approach to caring for the American patient.
The second day of this scientific event was attended by the Wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region and Governor of Laâyoune province, Abdeslam Bekrate; the President of the Regional Council, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid; and representatives of the Laprophan pharmaceutical laboratory, as well as consuls general accredited to Laâyoune.
