New WISH CEO to focus on innovations in healthcare

Bringing in more innovations in healthcare in a way that is much more embedded, is one of the top priorities for the new CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).

Speaking to Gulf Times Wednesday Dr Slim Slama, said: “Our priority is also consolidation of the ideas and we have a national development vision. There is a lot of things happening in Qatar at the moment in the area of research and development and innovation."

Dr Slama said that the WISH is of great focus but what comes before and after the event also matters a lot. “And for me, the vision I would have is to not only maintain the momentum of the Summit, but also to be able to mobilise it locally. We need to mobilise the academic and research institutions, and also the NGOs,” said the official.

Dr Slama who was formerly working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the reports presented at WISH carry a lot impact and need to be implemented in their true spirit.

As for the collaboration with WHO, he said that with an agreement signed already with WISH, there are several reports jointly organised with WHO and presented this year at the Summit.

“We will seek, of course, WHO's guidance as a global health authority. But we will also have different partners to have collective actions. There will be implementation after the recommendations that will emerge from the discussions.”

“I think we would like to maintain this in line with the national agenda. We will be finding a balance between supporting the domestic agenda, as Qatar has adopted the new national strategy,” he added.