Arab pediatricians conference opens in Damascus

Syrian Health Minister Dr. Muhammad Eyad al-Shatti on Tuesday opened the sixth conference of the Arab Pediatricians Associations Federation and the 10th annual congress of Syrian Pediatric Association.

The two events were held at the Pediatric Hospital on Tuesday. In an inaugural speech, the Syrian minister said figures show that the number of medical centers in Syria increased from 200 in 1970 to 1,000 in 1997. He added that these centers have offered more than 13 million services, two thirds of which were for children.

The minister also talked about Syria's national vaccination campaigns and the great successes of its medicinal industries, as well as about his ministry's plans to set up training at all academic institutions.

Taking part in the three-day congresses are lecturers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, and Syria.

Experts from the US, UK and concerned international organizations are also taking part. On the sidelines of the conference, the minister opened an exhibition of medicine, baby food and medical equipment.