Doha: Genomic medicine and the innovation and the ethical challenges associated with it will figure high on the agenda of the second World Innovation Summit for Health (Wish), to be held in the Qatari capital Doha.
Shaikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation and founder of Wish, last year announced the launch of the “Qatar Genome”, a project that consists of a road map for future treatment of personalized medicine, and the project has now become one of Qatar’s national priorities.
“Although Genomic Medicine raises complex ethical and religious issues, the potential it holds for future healthcare is immense,” panelists at a preview of research and findings ahead of the 2015 Summit said. “This is why “Genomic Medicine” is currently one of Qatar’s national priorities.”
The summit agenda will have a special panel on ‘Healthcare and Ethics’ that will focus on the development and implementation of ‘Genomic Medicine’ and the innovation and ethical challenges behind this revolutionary new medicine.
The panel will be held in a addition to the seven new research forums, the panelists said in Doha where the Chairs of the forum met for group workshops and open discussions.
Professor The Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of Wish and Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College of London said that the workshops were just the tip of the iceberg of the potential in each of our research forums.
“With sustained commitment and global collaboration, we can work together to find global solutions to healthcare issues affecting every country,” he said. “I am truly excited by the work being done and believe the resulting reports will be a valuable asset for policy makers, thought leaders and governments around the world.”
Wish, a global healthcare community of experts dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best evidence-based ideas and practices, is seen as a vital part of Qatar’s evolution from a carbon economy to a knowledge based economy.
“Qatar Foundation is proud to have established Wish, which aims to ensure impactful outcomes in healthcare innovation in Qatar, the region and beyond,” Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation, said. “The second summit in 2015 will be crucial for the progression of collaborative action focused on innovative methods to solve today’s global healthcare issues. Central to this is the scope and influence of the unprecedented forum reports, a testament of the international collaboration at the heart of Wish’s mission,” he said.
Lord Darzi said that last year’s summit was so successful that he expects the number of attendees in February 2015 to exceed the 1,000 people from 67 countries who were present last year.
