AMMAN: A groundbreaking conference aimed at utilizing the expertise of Arab healthcare professionals working abroad to bolster local health systems commenced today in Amman. According to Jordan News Agency, the First Arab Conference on Migrant Arab Health Professionals and Their Role in Supporting Arab Health Systems has convened prominent healthcare experts, decision-makers, and policymakers from across the region. The focus of the event is on transforming the challenge of health worker migration into an opportunity for regional development. The conference was opened by Minister of Health Feras Hawari, who represented His Majesty King Abdullah II. In his address, Hawari emphasized that while the migration of healthcare professionals presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for Arab countries. Hawari affirmed Jordan's commitment to engaging its diaspora and utilizing their expertise to enhance healthcare services within the country. He referenced recent reforms in Jordan, including cha nges to the Jordanian Medical Council Law, which have facilitated the reintegration of over 200 Jordanian doctors practicing abroad into the national healthcare system. These reforms are part of a comprehensive strategy to harness the skills of internationally trained healthcare professionals, ensuring their contributions to Jordan's healthcare infrastructure. A notable initiative in Jordan's strategy is the establishment of the Kingdom's first virtual hospital. This facility will provide telemedicine services, enabling collaboration between Jordanian healthcare professionals abroad and their counterparts at home. Hawari detailed that the virtual hospital will offer specialized care in fields such as radiology, intensive care, and dialysis. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and knowledge transfer between local and diaspora professionals, thereby enhancing patient care. The two-day conference includes six working sessions addressing crucial topics, including the realities of healthcare worker mi gration, strategies for retaining and benefiting from migrant expertise, and the role of these professionals in building local healthcare capacities. The conference provides an opportunity for migrant professionals to engage directly with policymakers, offering their perspectives on supporting healthcare reforms and addressing workforce shortages in their home countries. Hawari expressed thanks to the League of Arab States and the Arab Health Ministers Council for their support in organizing the event. He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing healthcare challenges. He acknowledged that healthcare worker migration affects many nations and that collective efforts are vital to transforming this challenge into a growth opportunity for the healthcare sector. As the inaugural event of its kind in the region, the conference aims to generate actionable solutions to ensure that Arab healthcare professionals abroad can effectively contribute to their home countries' healthcare systems. T he discussions are anticipated to yield practical recommendations that will influence the future of healthcare in the Arab world. By focusing on enhancing healthcare resilience, managing talent migration, and developing innovative health solutions, the conference marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Arab nations and their skilled migrant healthcare professionals.