Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Heart Association (SHA) today inaugurated its 36th Annual Scientific Meeting under the theme “Control Your Heart… Lead the World,” bringing together over 8,000 specialists, researchers, and healthcare practitioners in cardiology and cardiac surgery from the Kingdom and abroad.
The event, opened by Dr. Walid Alhabeeb, Consultant Cardiologist, Heart Failure Specialist, and President of the SHA, was highlighted by the launch of a major new community initiative and a technological innovation aimed at saving lives across the Kingdom.
Launch of ‘Munqith’ and “A Rescuer in Every Home” Initiative
During the opening ceremony, the SHA announced the launch of the “Munqith” (Rescuer) App as part of the “A Rescuer in Every Home” project. This initiative, a collaboration with Laerdal, a global leader in medical training, aims to be one of the world’s largest public awareness campaigns, targeting over one million people in Saudi Arabia.
The Munqith app is an innovative step to boost awareness and cardiac first aid skills, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) mechanisms to enable every individual to learn life-saving techniques for loved ones experiencing a cardiac emergency. The initiative reinforces the SHA’s vision to foster a culture of rapid response and life-saving within the community.
A Platform for Medical Excellence and Vision 2030
Dr. Alhabeeb affirmed that the conference serves as a crucial scientific platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, including new medications, devices, and advanced therapeutic technologies.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leading progress in healthcare, driven by Vision 2030, which places human health and wellness at the forefront of national priorities. While cardiovascular diseases remain a major health challenge, the Kingdom has made significant investments in prevention, treatment, and research.
“The Kingdom today hosts 42 specialized centers for heart diseases and surgery, including 24 centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health,” Dr. Alhabeeb noted, adding that these centers are staffed by approximately 2,125 cardiologists, reflecting the national investment in both infrastructure and qualified Saudi talent.
Comprehensive Scientific Program
Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Otaibi, Head of the Conference’s Scientific Committee, revealed that the intensive program preparation resulted in 78 scientific sessions featuring 320 lectures across all cardiac subspecialties. Additionally, the conference will host 20 new workshops to provide comprehensive practical and professional training for physicians, healthcare practitioners, and medical students.
Dr. Ismail Raslan, Deputy Head of the Scientific Committee, confirmed the participation of 275 speakers, including 76 international experts, underscoring the conference’s goal of transferring modern medical knowledge related to early diagnosis and advanced therapeutic techniques.
The three-day conference, which includes over 200 sessions and workshops and features a specialized medical exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies from leading global and national companies, firmly establishes it as one of the largest medical meetings in the region dedicated to cardiology.
