Rabat – The International E-Health Forum (IeHF) kicked-off the first edition of its two-day event on Wednesday at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, with a focus on digitizing Morocco’s healthcare landscape.
The forum aims to usher in a new era of digital healthcare in the country through the introduction of innovative technologies and strategies.
The spotlight was on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare, covering electronic health records, clinical decision support, medication management, genomic analysis, emergency response, and disaster management.
Speaking to Morocco World News following his opening remarks at the event, Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdellatif Miraoui acknowledged the exceptional developments in artificial intelligence and data science and emphasized the immense growth potential.
He stressed the importance of Morocco’s active participation in this regard, saying: “What is happening with artificial intelligence and data science today is exceptional, and I think that what is envisioned, at least what is anticipated, is over $600 billion of growth, and our country must absolutely take part in it.”
In addition, Miraoui highlighted the key role of education and technology in shaping the future of healthcare in Morocco.
The minister also underlined the significance of industrial intelligence across various sectors, including businesses and startups within Morocco, expressing appreciation for the diverse innovations presented at the event.
“What I’ve seen in the exhibitions is something extraordinary. You see young people presenting tablets for individual ultrasounds without having to go to a specialist, at least in advance,” Miraoui said. “You see applications on smartphones, applications on IoT, everything related to the Internet of Things.”
The minister highlighted the commitment of Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to investing in human capital, particularly in the healthcare sector.
He said that the country is working towards a digitalized healthcare system and a comprehensive social coverage platform by 2025.
The IeHF, which the organizers described as the country’s “premier event,” brought together over 3000 attendees, including key industry players, government officials, and global digital health solution providers.
The two-day event will feature a series of panel discussions and keynotes, with experts offering insights into the future of Morocco’s digital healthcare ecosystem.
Exploring Key Tracks in Healthcare Transformation
Participants at the conference delved into various tracks, from government-private health partnerships and health information systems solutions to the impact of technology on conventional medicine.
Another area of focus was the intersection of augmented reality (AR) and e-health, where experts explored applications such as anatomy visualization, remote surgery, and other transformative capabilities.
AR’s potential to enhance various aspects of healthcare was a focal point, showcasing its ability to overlay digital information onto the real world.
The event emphasized the significance of digital transformation in healthcare. It showcased initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and advance medical research.
The discussions ranged from the adoption of medical Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the role of digital technologies in supporting government vital functions.
In a video conference address at the event, Labrique Alan, representing the World Health Organization (WHO), underlined the role of digital readiness and infrastructure in shaping resilient health systems globally.
“Digital readiness is a key part of infrastructure that allows health systems to be resilient to impacts like epidemics and pandemics,” he explained.
Alan highlighted the critical need for countries to invest in digital capabilities to enhance their ability to respond effectively to health crises.
In addition, he emphasized the collaborative responsibility across various sectors, saying: “This is not just the role of government; the role of all of us, including civil society, including academia, to be providing the leadership necessary to advance digital transformation.”
Experts at the event will also cover telemedicine, a growing facet of healthcare. From remote patient monitoring to telepsychiatry, experts will explore how telemedicine is breaking geographical barriers, offering convenience, and increasing access to medical care through various communication channels.
