PalMed Annual Conference at King’s College London Focuses on Saving Palestine’s Health System
King’s College London will host PalMed Academy’s annual scientific conference on 24–25 April 2026, bringing together leading international medical and academic figures under the theme: “Advancing Healthcare Delivery and Medical Education in Palestine.”
The conference comes as Gaza’s health and education systems face deepening collapse. Reports from 2026 point to the continued breakdown of medical infrastructure and the disruption of education for thousands of medical and nursing students—placing growing pressure on the international academic and medical community to respond.
A Platform to Support a System Under Strain
Dr. Riyadh Al-Masharqa , Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe (PalMed Europe) , said the conference comes at a critical moment for the Palestinian health sector.
“This conference reflects the scale of the challenges facing healthcare in Palestine. It is a vital scientific and professional platform to support the system—particularly in Gaza—under extremely complex humanitarian and medical conditions.”
He said the event will present a clear, evidence-based picture of the crisis, while highlighting ongoing efforts by PalMed and its academy to sustain medical education and training.
Among those efforts is the GEM (Gaza Educate Medics) programme, which has already graduated two cohorts of medical students and continues to support learning across multiple stages. The academy also contributes to sustaining dental and nursing education, alongside wider work to strengthen healthcare provision.
The conference programme includes specialised sessions and panel discussions on the second day, aimed at strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.
Masharqa called for strong participation from medical and academic professionals, describing it as “a reflection of a shared commitment to sustaining the Palestinian healthcare sector.”
Practical Responses to a Deepening Crisis
Beyond discussion, the conference focuses on practical solutions—both to sustain healthcare delivery and to provide alternatives for students in Gaza.
Key initiatives include:
- GEM (Gaza Educate Medics): Supporting continuity in medical education.
- AIMS-G: An international alliance of medical schools assisting affected institutions.
The event will feature prominent international voices, including Norwegian physician Dr Mads Gilbert, British surgeon Mr Nick Maynard, and academic Professor Norman Finkelstein, alongside deans from Gaza’s medical faculties.
The opening session will also be attended by the Palestinian Ambassador to Britain, Husam Zomlot, as well as legal and medical experts.
A central theme will examine “Ethics and International Law in Conflict Zones,” focusing on the legal implications of targeting medical facilities and protections for healthcare workers under international law.
“An Exceptional Gathering” of Global Experts
Professor Mahmoud Loubani , Chair of PalMed Academy , described this year’s event as a major milestone.
“This year’s conference will be exceptional by all standards. We have brought together a distinguished group of internationally recognised experts, in what promises to be a rich and insightful gathering. We look forward to welcoming a wide community of supporters of Palestine in London.”
Accreditation and Participation
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has accredited the conference with 8.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, underlining its academic weight.
PalMed Academy is calling on healthcare professionals, institutions, and those concerned with the situation in Palestine to attend and contribute to shaping practical, long-term solutions for rebuilding the sector.
Conference Details
- Date: 24–25 April 2026
- Venue: The Strand Campus, King’s College London
- Registration: Available via the official conference platform
- Enquiries: Conference@palmedacademy.com
Also Read :
ShortURL ⬇