Conference Report (updated: Mar'09)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EMERGENCY RELIEF ACTIVITIES IN SAARC COUNTRIES,
13TH-14TH FEBRUARY 2009
Jointly organized by:
1. Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA International)
2. Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
3. Manipal University, Manipal, India
On 12th February 2009, officials from AMDA International, AMDA India, Okayama University (Japan) and Manipal University (India) gathered to discuss further development of emergency relief activities, particularly focusing on the roles of academia.
The conference was concluded with a signing of MOU by Okayama University, Manipal University, AMDA International and AMDA India for the implementation of “Indo - Japan Emergency Relief Training Program - 2009”.
Inauguration of the conference:
The inauguration of the conference was met by 14 international guests from Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan along with 62 delegates from AMDA India and Manipal University. AMDA introduced the theme of the conference “International Conference on Emergency Relief Activities in SAARC Countries”.
In his inaugural address, Dr. H.S.Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of the Manipal University, highlighted the growth and development of their school, and also gave a brief information on future activities of the University.
Dr. Ballal touched on the past humanitarian collaborations between AMDA and Manipal University, particularly on humanitarian assistance such as Bhuj/Lathur earthquake and recent Bihar floods. He assured that Manipal University will always be interested in implementing similar collaborative efforts.
Dr. Shigeru Suganami, President of AMDA International, gave a brief report on the organization’s current/future programs and plans. He once again highlighted that the ties between AMDA and Manipal University is now maturing from friendship to partnership.
Prof. Hiroyuki Doi, Head of Public Health Dept. of Okayama University Graduate Medical School, spoke on the possible collaboration between two universities as well as with AMDA.
Guest lectures and presentations:
On 13th Feb., with the honorable attendance of four guest lecturers, presentations were held on the following topics:
“Academia, NGOs and WHO: What Can We Do Together in Emergencies?”
Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, Regional Advisor, Emergency and Humanitarian Action, WHO Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi
“Obstacles in Disaster Medical Response Team (DMRT)”
Dr. Andi Husni Tanra, Chairperson, AMDA Indonesia.
“Global Front for Disaster Medicine”
Dr. Shigeru Suganami, President, AMDA International.
“Special Information for Disaster Medicine”
Prof. Hiroyuki Doi, Okayama University
“Emergency Relief Activities of AMDA Bangladesh”
Dr. Sarder A. Nayeem, President, AMDA Bangladesh
Panel discussion:
The panel discussion was held under the topic of “Academic Institutions in Emergency Relief Activities”.
Dr. Sarath Samarage briefed out his remarks by identifying key information from each panelists and the delegates. It was concluded that AMDA International must act as an example to other NGOs by collaborating with different universities in its member countries. The networking between NGOs and universities is essential for better and more professional future relief activities.
Signing of MOU:
As a back up of various deliberations and outcome of this conference, an MOU was jointly signed by Dr. Vinod Bhat, Registrar (International Programs) of Manipal University, Dr. Shigeru Suganami, President of AMDA International, Prof. Hiroyuki Doi of Okayama University and Dr. M.S. Kamath, Chairperson of AMDA India.
As per the MOU, Manipal University will be organizing an emergency relief training program (four-five days) during the month of August 2009. Dr. Ramachandra Kamath, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Community Medicine, Manipal University will be in charge of organizing the training program on behalf of the university and partners mentioned above.
The press release that reports this memorable event was also circulated to all local press reporters.
Valedictory function:
At the closing ceremony, the Director of Manipal Institute of Communication, who is also a noted columnist and writer, gave some advices and suggestions to AMDA. He emphasized the importance of involving local community particularly retired persons to form a club and help in the disaster relief activities. This is another form of local initiatives.
Certificates of appreciation were distributed to all delegates.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr. Vinod Bhat recalled the long association and collaboration between AMDA and Manipal University in the past. By signing the MOU, both have now shown their commitment in dealing with disasters and preparing action plans for its prevention. Dr. M.S.Kamath, Organizing Secretary proposed the vote of appreciation.
