Deputising for Crown Prince, PM presides over ABHS graduation ceremony

AMMAN — Deputising for HRH Crown Prince Hussein, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Saturday attended a graduation ceremony for a cohort of outstanding medical specialists from the Arab Board of Health Specialisations (ABHS) programmes for 2022 at the Dead Sea.

Khasawneh, during the ceremony, honoured former heads and secretaries general of the ABHS, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Health Minister Feras Al Hawari, who is also the board’s acting chairman, presented certificates to the best achievers in the presence of Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul, and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram Queisi.

Celebrating the graduates of the ABHS and recognising  their achievements marks a new tradition that has never been held since the founding of the board, Petra said. 

The event, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the ABHS’ establishment, gathered Arab health ministers, delegations from the Arab League, partners of the board, members of the executive committees of scientific councils, with the attendance of nearly 300 medical professionals representing diverse health and academic institutions from 22 Arab countries.

Addressing the gathering, Hawari said that the ABHS is considered one of the most successful joint ventures in the Arab world. It serves as an incubator for building the capabilities of healthcare professionals to serve Arab countries’ health systems.

Omer Al Rwas, general secretary of the board, said that since 1978, the board has graduated over 25,000 specialist doctors and has offered training for  over 22,000 registered trainees in various programmes.

Earlier in the day, Hawari attended a symposium as part of ABHS’ anniversary.

The minister highlighted the importance of expanding specialisations, accreditation and quality assurance, as well as medical education and training, measurement and evaluation, and staying up-to-date with professional development. 

Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, assistant secretary-general and head of the Social Affairs Sector at the Arab League, stressed the league's support for the board, expressing hope for further coordination and cooperation to develop the health sector in Arab countries.