Sana’a: Sana’a University Media Office
Thursday, October 29, 2026, corresponding to 18 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH
Prof. Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, Rector of Sana’a University, has instructed the Deanship of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and its Quality Assurance Unit to immediately design and prepare a comprehensive academic program specializing in respiratory care, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or beginning with a postgraduate program. He emphasized that the proposed program should adhere to the highest academic standards and benchmarks, meet the needs of Yemen’s healthcare sector, and equip specialized professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage critical respiratory cases effectively.
The directive came during the opening of the scientific day of the Fourth Scientific Conference on Respiratory Care 2026, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sana’a University. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Health and Environment, represented by the General Directorate of Medical Services and Quality Assurance and the Respiratory Care Services Department, in partnership with the University.
The University Rector emphasized that respiratory care constitutes a fundamental pillar of modern healthcare systems, given its critical role in ensuring patient safety and the success of surgical and therapeutic interventions. He underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions to advance specialized medical disciplines and keep pace with the latest scientific developments.
During his address, the University Rector highlighted Sana’a University’s significant progress in international rankings, noting its advancement in the 2027 AD Scientific Index, according to the update published on October 20, 2026. The University rose to 2,151st globally and 756th in Asia while maintaining its first-place position nationally for several consecutive years. He affirmed that advancing scientific research and improving the quality of academic outcomes remain key priorities in strengthening the University’s regional and international standing.
Prof. Al-Bukhaiti stressed that progress in international rankings is not merely an achievement for display, but rather the result of sustained efforts to develop the educational and research environment, enhance academic programs, encourage researchers, and direct scientific research toward addressing social challenges and meeting development needs. Such efforts, he noted, strengthen the connection between scientific knowledge, practical applications, and local production.
During the opening ceremony, attended by Dr. Ali Al-Mufti, Director of the Emergency and Quality Control Department at the Ministry of Health and Environment; Dr. Basam Al-Selwi, Chair of the Conference; and a large gathering of consultants, surgeons, respiratory care specialists, researchers, and students from medical faculties, Prof. Mohammed Al-Shahari, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighted the critical role of respiratory care specialists from the perspective of his professional experience in surgery, emphasized their essential contributions to airway management and patient monitoring before, during, and after major surgical procedures, as well as their role in reducing clinical complications. He stressed the need to strengthen coordination between surgical teams and respiratory care specialists to ensure patient safety and improve the quality of healthcare services.
He also commended the readiness of the Faculty’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Laboratory, which hosted six practical and training workshops the previous day as part of the conference activities. The workshops focused on developing clinical skills and managing critical respiratory cases, contributing to improved healthcare professionals’ competencies and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
For his part, Dr. Ehab Obaid, Chair of the Conference Preparatory Committee, praised the partnership between the Ministry of Health and Environment and Sana’a University, emphasizing the conference’s importance in keeping pace with scientific advances and improving professional practices in the field of respiratory care.
The conference featured two scientific sessions. The first was chaired by Dr. Altaf Al-Kamesh, Dr. Ali Al-Saya’a, Dr. Fahim Al-Absi, and Dr. Maher Muneer Ghaith, while the second was chaired by Prof. Nour Al-Deen Al-Jaber, Dr. Bassam Al-Selwi, Dr. Najla Al-Sanbali, and Dr. Ali Al-Mufti.
The two sessions addressed the latest developments in mechanical ventilation, the management of critical respiratory cases, neuromuscular disorders, and the future of respiratory care in the era of artificial intelligence, alongside the updated respiratory care standards for 2026.
The conference concluded with scientific discussions and the recognition of organizing committees and participants. The concluding proceedings emphasized the importance of translating the conference’s recommendations into academic and training programs that contribute to developing respiratory care services and strengthening the efficiency of Yemen’s healthcare system..
