Crown Prince of Bahrain: Developing Health Services and Enhancing Gulf Medical Preparedness

Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, affirmed that the enduring ties and shared aspirations uniting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states form a solid foundation for building upon the achievements attained in the course of joint GCC efforts and advancing cooperation pathways to more advanced levels across various fields, thereby realizing the visions and aspirations of the Council’s leaders.

This statement came during a meeting between the Bahraini Crown Prince and the heads of delegations attending the 12th meeting of GCC Health Ministers at the Riffa Palace. Among those present was Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al Awadi, who is being hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of its presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Council.

During the meeting, the heads of delegations conveyed greetings from the GCC leaders to the King of Bahrain and the Bahraini Crown Prince. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad also conveyed greetings from the Bahraini King and his own regards to the GCC leaders.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad emphasized the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continuous commitment, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to supporting various initiatives and directions aimed at realizing the shared aspirations of GCC member states for enhanced cooperation and integration at all levels.

He expressed his wishes for the success of the meeting, hoping it would contribute to further strengthening coordination and joint cooperation to continue developing the health system and the quality and efficiency of health systems and services in GCC countries, thereby benefiting all.

He highlighted the importance of implementing the directives issued by GCC leaders concerning the health sector, which contribute to improving the quality of health services and enhancing Gulf medical readiness, thereby achieving further progress and prosperity for GCC countries and their citizens.

The Bahraini capital, Manama, hosted the 12th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee, with participation from Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al Awadi.

In a speech delivered while chairing the meeting, Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila bint Sayyid Jawad Hassan, stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen GCC health cooperation and integration, and developing coordination mechanisms and the exchange of expertise and information among GCC member states. This, she noted, supports the readiness of health systems, ensures the sustainability of services, secures supply chains, and enhances the capacity to address rapid health challenges.

Her speech touched upon current regional and security developments and their repercussions on countries in the region. She expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s condemnation of Iran’s malicious attacks on Bahrain, GCC countries, and Jordan, describing them as violations of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. She highlighted the resulting consequences on lives, infrastructure, transportation movement, and supply chains, including essential and medical supplies.

She pointed out the repercussions of threats to the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential impacts on energy security, international trade, and food, pharmaceutical, and humanitarian aid supplies. In this context, she emphasized the importance of enhancing joint GCC readiness and coordination, and ensuring the sustainability of supply chains and health services.

She also drew attention to the importance of continuing joint GCC efforts and integrating initiatives across various health fields to keep pace with regional and international developments, and to enhance the efficiency and readiness of health systems in GCC countries.

Bahrain also hosted the 89th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers, with participation from GCC Health Ministers, including Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al Awadi, and Dr. Sulaiman Al-Dakhil, Director General of the GCC Health Council, as part of the Kingdom’s presidency of the 46th session of the Council.

Chairing the meeting, Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila bint Sayyid Jawad Hassan, emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen joint GCC health efforts and building on the cooperation and integration achieved among GCC member states in the health sector. This, she noted, supports the development and sustainability of health systems and enhances their capacity to keep pace with rapid changes and developments in the health field.

She highlighted the role played by the GCC Health Council in translating strategic directions and visions into executive initiatives, projects, and programs that serve the health sector in GCC countries. She affirmed that the steps achieved in this area reflect the level of GCC coordination and integration, and the shared commitment to enhancing the efficiency of health systems and the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

She underscored the importance of continuing coordination, exchanging expertise, and integrating efforts across various health fields to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of health systems and support the course of joint GCC health efforts, thereby realizing the aspirations of GCC countries and their peoples.