Damascus, April 28 (SANA) A student volunteer team “MedInvoVision” specializing in medical and healthcare innovation organized a forum at Damascus University on Tuesday focused on healthcare innovation and the integration of artificial intelligence, in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Syrian Association for Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship (SAAE).
The event, titled Healthcare Innovation Summit and AI Integration, brought together students, academics, doctors, entrepreneurs and specialists to discuss how emerging technologies can help improve healthcare services and support practical solutions tailored to Syria’s needs.
Organizers said the summit aimed to connect expertise in medicine, technology and business management, with participation from more than 400 attendees, including resident doctors, specialists, university students and representatives of public institutions and non-governmental organizations.
Scientific sessions and interactive exhibits
The program included discussions on academic isolation, technology integration and the concept of frugal innovation—using limited resources to develop affordable alternatives to costly conventional reconstruction models.
Participants also reviewed successful international healthcare development experiences, including Malaysia’s model, and examined ways such lessons could be adapted locally.
The summit featured an interactive exhibition with practical simulations and innovation challenges, including a mock emergency room built with simple materials, an AI-based virtual patient diagnosis challenge, a pharmaceutical investigation lab, innovation skills games, mini debate sessions, and workshops on turning research ideas into medical products. The event also included dedicated spaces for AI clubs and innovation networks.
Innovation as a national priority
Ghaith Warkozek, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that health innovation has become a national necessity today, not merely an option. He highlighted that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, medical data analysis, and smart diagnostics compel Syria to play an active role in this global transformation.
Warkozek noted that the summit reflects the renewed spirit of creativity among Syrian youth and embodies a national vision that views investment in knowledge as the key path to building a more advanced and sustainable health future. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, fostering partnerships between universities, research centers, and the health sector, and providing all necessary resources to empower researchers and students in developing their projects into practical applications that serve citizens and elevate healthcare quality.
Officials also reaffirmed support for initiatives that strengthen partnerships between universities, research centers and the healthcare sector, while helping students and researchers turn ideas into practical applications that improve services.
Using limited resources more effectively
Ahmad Almonajed, chairman of the Syrian Association for Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship (SAAE), said innovation in Syria requires making smarter use of limited available resources to achieve results faster and at lower cost.
He said the association is working to support national talent and connect skilled individuals with institutions capable of helping transform ideas into productive partnerships.
Practical solutions for healthcare challenges
Joudi Kouran, head of the MedInvoVision medical innovation team, said the summit was designed to generate solutions to real healthcare challenges and contribute to new health policy thinking.
She added that AI has become an essential modern tool that can accelerate workflows, improve research, save time and help move projects from concept to implementation more quickly when used effectively.
MedInvoVision is a multidisciplinary volunteer initiative focused on promoting creative thinking, collaboration and practical medical technologies designed for the Syrian context.
Kh.A
