In a remarkable show of solidarity and humanitarian commitment, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) launched the Basic Life Support (BLS) and Basic Trauma Management Course for Palestinian Nationals at its Secretariat in Islamabad. The initiative, jointly organized by COMSTECH, Fatima Memorial Hospital, and NUR International University, aims to strengthen emergency healthcare capacities among Palestinian medical professionals and youth.
The launching ceremony, held at the Al-Khwarizmi Conference Room of the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, brought together distinguished academics, diplomats, and healthcare experts. The program represents a significant milestone in COMSTECH’s efforts to leverage science, technology, and innovation for the collective progress of OIC member states, particularly in regions affected by humanitarian crises.
Addressing the ceremony, H.E. Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, emphasized that empowering communities through education and technical training is one of the most effective strategies to build resilience in times of adversity. He described the initiative as both a gesture of solidarity and a long-term investment in human capital and health resilience for Palestine.
“COMSTECH remains deeply committed to supporting our brothers and sisters in Palestine through sustainable programs that build capacity, promote scientific excellence, and strengthen local institutions,” Prof. Choudhary stated. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to Fatima Memorial Hospital and NUR International University for their exceptional collaboration and thanked the OIC and the Representative Office to the State of Palestine for their continued partnership.
Representing NUR International University, Prof Dr Farooq Anwar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, lauded COMSTECH’s leadership in launching this initiative. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing academic and technical expertise to humanitarian and medical training programs that serve vulnerable populations.
Mr. Tawfiq Khader, Counsellor at the Embassy of Palestine to Pakistan, expressed profound gratitude to OIC-COMSTECH and its partner institutions for their consistent support of the Palestinian cause. “This program not only imparts vital medical skills but also symbolizes the unity and compassion that bind the Muslim world together,” he remarked.
Joining virtually from Gaza, Prof Dr Omar Melad, Vice Chancellor of Al-Azhar University, and Mr. Ahmad Ali Hanoun, Director General of the OIC Representative Office to the State of Palestine, praised the initiative for addressing a critical gap in Palestine’s healthcare system. They described the program as “timely and transformative,” especially in light of the ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza.
The one-month online course includes structured modules on Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Trauma and Wound Management, Spinal and Limb Immobilization, Psychological Support, and Physical Rehabilitation. It is tailored specifically for Palestinian nationals, allowing participants to strengthen their professional competence without leaving their homeland.
The idea for this training course emerged from the urgent need to enhance emergency medical response capabilities in Palestine, particularly after the devastating humanitarian crises in Gaza. Through this initiative, COMSTECH continues to translate its vision of scientific cooperation into tangible programs that empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and foster hope amid hardship.
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By championing such collaborative efforts, COMSTECH reaffirms its pivotal role as a beacon of science-driven solidarity and capacity building across the Muslim world—turning knowledge into a lifeline for communities in need.