 Health
Co-hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force and U.S. Army Central, the objective of the IMMS was to share knowledge and explore opportunities for mutual learning, cooperation and support in the medical care of U.S. service members and others as the mission demands. "We should always be prepared," said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, minister of state for Defense Affairs. "We live in a world where we need strong corporation between all nationalities. Today's challenges can not be held by one country. With advance communication we can easily come together as a global village." The symposium, originally designed as a field grade officer to colonel-level event, attracted nine general officers, in addition to the participation of the Bahraini state minister of defense. Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq were some of the countries who attended the even. European countries, all member states of the International Committee of Military Medicine, which attended the event were France, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany. "Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt and others have all taken excellent care of U.S. servicemembers," said Brig. Gen. James Hodge, Medical Support and Logistics commander, during his speech at the opening ceremony. "Additionally several European nations routinely provide outstanding medical care for U.S. servicemembers when they fall ill. We sincerely thank you for all the wonderful care you have provided U.S. military personnel." While numerous countries attended the symposium only a couple gave presentations. The presenting countries were Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, U.S., France, Switzerland as well as representatives of the International Committee of Military Medicine, of which the U.S. is a founding country. Some of the topics discussed were medical operations in recent conflicts, Egypt's hospital operation in Afghanistan, the roles and objectives of the International Committee of Military Medicine, Jordan's hospital operation in Iraq and medical preparation of military personnel before deployment in peace support operations. "Sharing information and determining international standards for military medical operations through professional associations and relationships is key to sustaining our service members, caring for wounded on the battlefield and successfully accomplishing humanitarian missions," said Col. Jonathan C. Fruendt, USARCENT command surgeon. "We hope that their participation will continue and grow." "USARCENT has had the opportunity to work with and in many instances rely upon the excellent medical care of our partners and hosts. Conferences like this one in Bahrain will certainly deepen and strengthen that logical inter-dependence," Fruendt said. |
