LONDON, (PIC)
The British capital is preparing to host a landmark scientific and humanitarian event as King’s College London opens its doors on April 24–25, 2026, for the Annual Scientific Conference of the PalMed Academy. This year’s summit convenes under the strategic theme: “Advancing Healthcare Delivery and Medical Education in Palestine.”
The conference arrives amidst catastrophic conditions facing the Palestinian health and education sectors. Reports from 2026 highlight the continued acute collapse of medical infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and the total disruption of education for thousands of medical and nursing students. This crisis places a historical responsibility on academic bodies and the international community to intervene and provide vital support.
A roadmap to combat “Healthcare Attrition”
The conference seeks to present practical solutions and launch specialized programs led by the Academy to ensure the sustainability of medical cadres.
Key initiatives include:
• GEM (Gaza Educate Medics): A program dedicated to ensuring the continuity of education for medical students in Gaza despite the widespread destruction.
• AIMS-G: The International Alliance of Medical Schools, designed to support damaged academic institutions.
The sessions will feature a distinguished roster of international figures, including Norwegian physician Mads Gilbert, British surgeon Nick Maynard, and academic Norman Finkelstein. The event will also feature on-the-ground and virtual participation from the Deans of Medical Faculties at Gaza’s universities, with the diplomatic presence of the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot.
Official statements
Dr. Riyadh Al-Masharqa, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe (PalMed Europe), stated, “The significance of the Academy’s Annual Scientific Conference is underscored by the escalating challenges facing the health sector in Palestine. We look forward to wide and effective participation over these two days, as this event serves as a high-level scientific and professional platform contributing to the support of the Palestinian health sector, particularly in Gaza, amidst profoundly complex humanitarian and medical circumstances.”
He added, “The conference aims to provide a precise, documented presentation of the challenges facing the medical sector, while highlighting the institutional efforts of the Academy and the Association in health education and training. In this context, the Academy’s programs, led by the GEM project, have successfully graduated two cohorts of medical students and ensured the continuity of the educational process across various stages, in addition to supporting dental and nursing colleges. The conference also features a comprehensive scientific program with specialized sessions and panel discussions on the second day to enhance knowledge exchange. I call upon all health professionals, academics, and stakeholders to participate actively in this event, reflecting our shared commitment to bolstering the resilience of the healthcare system.”
Professor Mahmoud Loubani, Chair of PalMed Academy, emphasized, “This year’s PalMed Academy Annual Conference and Meeting will be an exceptional event by all measures. We have succeeded in attracting a distinguished elite of world-renowned speakers and experts for a forum we promise will be rich in knowledge and deep insights. We eagerly look forward to welcoming the largest possible number of friends of Palestine here in London.”
Academic and legal accreditation
In recognition of its scientific rigor, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has awarded participants 8.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Furthermore, the conference will feature a dedicated legal track to discuss “Ethics and International Law in War Zones,” exploring avenues for the legal protection of healthcare facilities and personnel.
