(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) The 24th congress of the International Traffic Medicine Association (ITMA) on traffic medicine and road safety started here today under the theme of "Traffic Medicine and Road Safety in Fast Developing Countries".
The three-day event is being held Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
It is organized by the ITMA, in collaboration with Qatar's National Traffic Safety Committee with a large participation of doctors and experts involved in road safety , designers, automakers, engineers, lawyers, police officers and experts of auto insurance to exchange ideas and opinions on road safety and injuries resulting from traffic accidents.
The conference sheds light on progress being made in the field of traffic safety and prevention of injuries caused by road accidents, were participants will exchange views on the latest techniques in the field of traffic medicine, promoting a culture of prevention of vehicle accidents, the latest means of ambulances and treatment in order to reduce deaths and disabilities resulting from such incidents.
During the opening session of the conference, HE the Minister of Public Health Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani said that this international forum will tackle a set of important issues to reach to best practices in the field of traffic safety and to ensure contribution of all relevant authorities effectively in this area.
HE the Minister said that the estimates of the World Health Organization show that about 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic incidents and between 20 and 50 million more people suffer injuries.
HE the Minister of Public Health affirmed Qatar's keenness to pay great attention to this aspect for being linked to health and safety of human being, while pointing to strategies, programs and ambitious projects adopted by the state in the field of traffic safety.
Al Qahtani added that the Ministry of Public Health is working on close cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior to implement elements related to health as part of the national strategy for road safety.
He noted that the medical services provided for victims of traffic accidents have developed, despite rapid population growth in the State of Qatar, where those services got necessary attention such as development of ambulance services, road accident rescue and emergency medical response as well as development of methods and tools for surgery and intensive care.
His Excellency explained that hospitals will provided with medical and nursing cadres in order to render best treatment for the injured and to achieve kinetic and mental safety, pain control and treatment for secondary complications through an integrated medical services.
He expressed confidence that the scientists and specialists participating in the conference from all parts of the world will develop successful solutions and innovative mechanisms to reduce tragedies and suffering caused by traffic accidents via focusing on ways of traffic accidents prevention. He wished the conference success in contributing to the safety for all road users.
For his part, ITMA President Dr. Lars Englund said that the conference is representing a global platform for the exchange of views and ideas on the latest methods for reducing traffic accidents and curbing their severe economic and humanitarian consequences.
He said that the conference will discuss several issues, most notably the latest medical interventions for victims of accidents and the role of technology in vehicle safety, engineering of roads, design of safe transport networks and learning driving and community awareness with a focus on children and youth, psychological aspects of driving , forensic medicine, rehabilitation and social integration and others.
Speaking at the event, President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Eng. Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi said that the conference is an ideal opportunity to discuss the latest developments and technologies in the field of traffic medicine and safety and exchange of national and international experts in this field.
He pointed to the Ashghal's role in formulating documents of the national strategy for traffic safety in January 2013 which aims to promote traffic safety in the country and to reduce the number of fatal and injurious traffic accidents.
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