GCC leaders place utmost priority on public health

DOHA: The State of Qatar yesterday hosted the 10th Meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee and the 87th Meeting of the Health Ministers Council...

DOHA: The State of Qatar yesterday hosted the 10th Meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee and the 87th Meeting of the Health Ministers Council of the GCC, both chaired by Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari.

The meetings resulted in several significant decisions and outcomes, including the approval of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan and the GCC Public Health Information Strategy. These initiatives aim to enhance cooperation among GCC countries to better prepare for and address health challenges in the region, while also strengthening the GCC’s role regionally and internationally in the health sector, particularly in health surveillance at entry points to bolster health security.

Additionally, several decisions were approved regarding other council programmes, such as the Gulf Unified Procurement Program, pharmaceutical registration, and the expansion of the electronic pharmaceutical bulletin. Efforts will also be made to update the strategic plan to align with the transformation in healthcare, with a focus on digital health. Furthermore, a Health Martyrs Day was approved, to be observed on March 2, each year, in honour of healthcare workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In her speech at the 10th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee, Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari stated, “Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, place the utmost priority on the health of their people. Guided by their wise leadership, we are working diligently to continuously strengthen our healthcare systems to make them more resilient and sustainable, while enhancing our cooperation in the health sector to meet the aspirations of our citizens.”

She added, “In light of the many health challenges we face, strengthening our cooperation at the GCC level, as well as regionally and internationally, is critical for improving efficiency and strengthening health security.”