Within its strategy aimed at enhancing the applied academic path and opening up to qualitative scientific events, Karbala Polytechnic College at Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University launched its first scientific cultural festival for medical laboratories under the slogan “Today’s Laboratories… Tomorrow’s Health.” This was under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, and the direct supervision of the College Dean, Prof. Dr. Fadel Mohammed Dhaher.
The organization of this festival by the Medical Laboratory Technology Department coincides with the International Day of Medical Laboratories. It comes within the endeavor to highlight the vital role played by medical laboratories in supporting the diagnostic and treatment processes, as well as raising the level of scientific awareness among students and introducing them to the latest laboratory technologies that contribute to improving the quality of health services.
The festival, held from April 14 to 16, 2026, included a diverse scientific and cultural program. The first day witnessed the launch of the official opening activities, including the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the playing of the national anthem. This was followed by official speeches by the University Presidency and the College Deanship, in addition to specialized lectures addressing occupational safety and the importance of laboratory analyses in the early detection of diseases. Alongside this, a documentary film reviewing the establishment and development of the department was screened, and practical stations for blood tests and clinical chemistry were implemented.
As for the second day, it was dedicated to the diagnostic aspect of infectious diseases. It included holding scientific debates and interactive competitions for students, including the “Results Reading Challenge” and the “What is this under the microscope?” competition, which enhances their analytical and diagnostic thinking skills.
Meanwhile, the third day focused on reviewing modern technologies in the field of medical laboratories, through the opening of an exhibition of medical devices with the participation of a number of specialized companies, as well as organizing an art exhibition for student works and taking souvenir photos in white coats, in a distinguished scientific and cultural atmosphere.
The festival activities concluded by laying down a roadmap for developing the medical laboratory sector. The recommendations emphasized the importance of updating infrastructures, supporting continuous training programs for staff and students, and enhancing scientific research, as well as strict adherence to occupational safety standards, contributing to elevating the quality of laboratory services.
This activity comes in harmony with the directions of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research aimed at supporting the educational and research environment, and establishing the concepts of quality and institutional accreditation in various scientific disciplines.
