Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has described Arab healthcare professionals living abroad as a strategic asset that can help develop healthcare systems across the region.
He said their expertise could support knowledge and technology transfer, scientific research, training and innovation.
He also stressed the need to turn the migration of skilled professionals from a challenge into an opportunity for scientific co-operation and sustainable partnerships.
Abdel Ghaffar made the remarks at the opening of the 2nd Arab Conference on the Role of Arab Health Professionals Abroad in Supporting Healthcare Systems, held on Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The conference brought together Arab health ministers, experts and healthcare professionals working abroad.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said healthcare is essential to national stability and security.
He stressed the importance of using the expertise of Arab professionals abroad to improve healthcare systems and medical services, particularly in countries affected by conflicts and crises.
Fahmy said health was also a key pillar of sustainable development, as investment in people’s health strengthens their ability to learn, work and contribute to society.
He estimated that around 250,000 Arab healthcare professionals live outside the region, describing them as a valuable source of knowledge and expertise.
He called for stronger professional and scientific links between Arab healthcare professionals at home and abroad, including through joint research, training, remote academic supervision and the exchange of expertise.
Such co-operation, he said, would enable expatriate professionals to contribute to their home countries while helping Arab healthcare institutions retain skilled personnel and improve working and research environments.
