Under the auspices of Prof. Rami Hamdallah, President of An-Najah National University, and the Minister of Health, HE. Dr. Fathi Abu Mughli, the Fifth National Assembly of IFMSA-PS was held today at HRH Prince Turki Bin Abdul-Aziz Theater at the New Campus of the University.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Hamdallah, HE. Dr. Abu Mughli, HE. Dr. Jamal Muhesin, Governor of Nablus, Mr. Adli Ya’aish, Mayor of Nablus, Prof. Anwar Dudeen, Dean of the Faculty of Human Medicine, a number of the deans of faculties at the University, and a large number of students from the faculties of medicine at Palestinian universities.

The Head of the Preparation Committee of the Assembly welcomed the guests on behalf of IFMLSA-Palestine, and thanked all participants and sponsors of the union in Palestine.

In his speech, Prof. Hamdallah talked about the accomplishments of the Faculty of Human Medicine. He emphasized the cooperation between the Faculty and local Health Institutions, and he thanked the Palestinian Ministry of Health for all its efforts to help the University as they work together now to establish An-Najah Teaching Hospital.

President Hamdlalah noted that the Faculty of Human Medicine has been recently included in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED).  The IMED is a web-based resource for accurate and up-to-date information about international medical colleges that are recognized by the appropriate government agency in the countries in which they are located. The Faculty was accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education in 2007.

Dr. Abu Mughli said in his speech that the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at An-Najah is an inspiration and a responsibility to serve the Palestinian community and provide excellent health services to the Palestinian citizens.  He said that health is a right for all.

In his remarks, Dr. Muhesin appreciated all efforts for the holding the Assembly, and he also praised the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Health working under hardships caused by occupation. He talked about the occupation’s violations with regard to the health sector in Palestine.

On the other hand, Mr. Ya’aish thanked the efforts of all concerned parties who support the students of human medicine in Palestine. He said that with hard work, persistence and determination all hardships could be overcome.

Prof. Dudeen thanked the University and local community institutions on their support for the Faculty. He urged the students of human medicine to take their career with full moral obligation and responsibility.  He emphasized the role of women in the health sector in Palestine as well. Other speakers in the Assembly emphasized the importance of the Faculty, and the needs of the health sector in Palestine.