INVITATION

The organization of the 2nd Medical NATO Conference, which will also incorporate the 8th Blood Conference and will be sponsored by the Portuguese Ministry for Health, is a matter of great satisfaction for the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM). While President of the INEM, I assume with enthusiasm the task that was committed to us, certain that this event will allow to congregate in our country a unique set of civil and military specialists of the medical area, assembled for the discussion of common interest subjects.

In this day and age, an ever growing importance is given to the harmonization of inter-institutional efforts, the establishment of procedures and the definition of specific methodologies for dealing with many possible threats (social turmoil, natural catastrophes or pandemics). This Conference represents an ideal environment for the needed interaction between the members of the medical community, that constitute the first line of response in these situations.

We are certain that, based on the current state of technical knowledge, the sharing of experience and the widened discussion of all the common objectives, will facilitate the definition of possible synergies to implement and to develop in this field.

This Conference is open to all members and associated countries of NATO. It is with enthusiasm that I invite you to actively attend and participate in the foreseen works, certain that the results related to the tactical and strategic fields both within the civil and military sphere, will be productive and groundbreaking.

Abílio Gomes, MD
President of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) - Portugal