President of Umm Al Qura University (UQU) Dr. Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Assas on Thursday, Jumada al-Thani 03, 1438H opened the 19th Saudi Urology Association Conference.

The College of Medicine has organized the conference in cooperation with the King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah and the Saudi Urology Association. It was held at the main hall of Fairmont Hotel during the period from March 1 to 4. Up to 74 research papers were put up for discussion.

Addressing the event, Head of the Organising Committee and Dean of Medicine College Dr. Anmar Naser said the college has successfully received international accreditation from Germany and updated its courses in cooperation with all departments in order to maintain integration of all specializations. He added the cooperation resulted in a number of researches which were published later by the college.

The conference's objective is to serve this area of study and develop the field of urology through instant medical training in order to encourage publishing specialized researches and to set quality criteria as per scientific foundations, he said, adding this would eventually draw a framework of diagnosis and medication for all kidney and urinary tract surgeries.

Also, he adds, it improves services by intensifying workshops that receive increasing scientific support taking into consideration the promotion of continuing education principles during forums, seminars and training workshops in addition to coordination with the local and international health organizations.

Dr. Naser descriped the conference as an arena of cultural and knowledge diversity in the kingdom, Gulf area and the world. The 74 papers, scheduled to be discussed in the conference, were published on posters hanged on the hall walls, he said, adding around 33 working papers would be raised for discussion in sessions.

According to the dean, the conference would announce a number of recommendations and guidelines on kidney and urinary tract, endoscopy, pediatrics and other areas of studies. He extended thanks to Dr. Assas for sponsoring the the conference and supporting the college. Also, he thanked participants who took part in the successful organization of the event.

President of Umm Al-Qura Universityaddressed the conferees. He said: The 29th round of the conference has an important meaning that Makkah is the capital of the Muslim world and it is the destination for its people. So, it worth be designated as the meeting place for the internationally-recognized physicians who have created impact and footprints that benefit mankind everywhere.

The President shed light on medicine in the Islamic history. He said this domain was protected and magnificently respected by Muslims. Physicians, during the Abbasid Caliph Al-Muqtadir (895 – 31 October 932), had to pass tests for career certificates, Dr. Assas noted, adding only qualified doctors were licensed.

He gave examples for theories and innovations created by Muslims that are related to topics of the conference. He added: Muslims have been in lead of the field of surgery as Al Zahraway in the 5th hijri century called for studying anatomy while the first autopsy operation in Europe took place late in the ninth century.

Al Zahraway created more than 200 surgery tools and developed the fundamental principles of endoscopy when he used an endoscope to break up a kidney stone. The Muslim physician provided explanation how did he break it up and found a remedy for fistula.

In the same field, physician, alchemist and philosopher Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi manufactured surgical suture from animal intestines when women were allowed to practice.

Last but not least, the president praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and government of Saudi Arabia for supporting universities. Also, he extended thanks to staff at the College of Medicine, KAMC, and the Saudi Urology Association who have cooperated with the college of medicine to organize the conference.

He wished them best of luck and more success.  Later, he honored the organizers of the conference and the participates.