King Khalid University concluded the "International Conference on Complementary Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges" (ICCM-2024) on Thursday. The conference, organized by the university in partnership with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, took place from March 6 to 7, 2024, at the Conference and Seminar Center in Al-Fara’a.

The event, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Asir Region, witnessed the participation of medical companies, institutions, researchers, and experts in complementary medicine worldwide, with an overall estimate of 2,000 attendees.

During the conference, 13 lectures, five discussion panels, five workshops, more than 55 scientific posters, and an exhibition featuring 16 exhibitors were presented. The Chairman of the Scientific Committee, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Jubran Al Mohsenah, highlighted the significance of the conference and the importance of integrating complementary medicine into academic programs.

Recommendations from the conference included the need to codify evidence-based herbal medicine practices, enact regulations, and implement the Saudi Herbal Pharmacopoeia initiative. Participants also urged the inclusion of complementary medicine topics in health college programs and the development of specialized programs. Cooperation between government and private agencies to support health tourism, along with awareness and education programs, were emphasized.

The participants stressed the integration of complementary medicine with traditional medicine to achieve therapeutic results and called for supportive legislation and policies. The President of Taif University, Dr. Youssef bin Abdo Asiri, praised the diverse topics covered in the conference, emphasizing the growing interest in alternative treatments.

Dr. Ahmed bin Muhammad Abu Abah, Advisor to the Minister of Health and General Supervisor of the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, highlighted the significance of the conference in aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and promoting the health sector's development.

At the conclusion, the University President, Prof. Faleh bin Raja Allah Al-Solami, honored those who contributed to the conference's success. This included members of the scientific committee, session directors, lecturers, and recipients of the Best Scientific Poster Award.

The conference received widespread acclaim for its efforts to bring together traditional and complementary medicine, discussing hospitalization, health tourism, and investment in the field.