The 10th Meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee was recently held in the State of Qatar and was chaired by Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari. The meetings resulted in the approval of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan and the GCC Public Health Information Strategy, aiming to enhance cooperation among GCC countries to address health challenges in the region. Other decisions were made regarding council programmes, such as the Gulf Unified Procurement Program 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, focusing on digital health.
During the meeting, Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation at the GCC level, as well as regionally and internationally, to improve efficiency and strengthen health security. She highlighted the Healthy Cities initiative and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) as key topics of discussion. The Secretary-General of the GCC, H E Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, highlighted the importance of the health sector in achieving societal health development and the strategic investment it represents for the Council countries.
In her speech, Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari emphasized the commitment of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, to prioritizing the health of their people. She stressed the need for continued joint efforts, the development of health services and technologies, and the nurturing of a skilled health workforce to ensure a healthier future for citizens. The Minister also announced the approval of a Health Martyrs Day, to be observed on March 2 each year, in honor of healthcare workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The outcomes of the 87th Meeting of the Health Ministers Council of the GCC were also discussed, with Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari expressing her hope that the decisions made during the meeting will contribute to achieving a healthier future for all residents of GCC countries. The meeting highlighted the importance of building on achievements and strengthening cooperation in healthcare to address the health challenges faced by the region. Overall, the meetings underscored the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing their healthcare systems and working together to improve health outcomes for their citizens.
