Deputy Minister of Health Discusses with GCC Health Council Director the Development of Joint Health Cooperation

- The two sides discussed programs for drug registration, unified procurement, and medical screening of expatriate workers

The Deputy Minister of Health, Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah, held talks today, Sunday, with the Director General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Council, Sulaiman Al-Duwaikh, on ways to enhance joint health cooperation and coordination, and to follow up on programs and initiatives implemented by the Council in collaboration with GCC health ministries.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health said that the meeting, held via video conference, addressed several joint health projects, most notably the Central Drug Registration Program and the “Nashartak” project, aimed at facilitating access to pharmaceutical information, as well as the GCC Unified Procurement Program, which contributes to improving the efficiency of health spending and enhancing the availability of medicines and medical supplies.

It added that the two sides discussed developing the “Wafid” program for medical screening of expatriate workers, strengthening electronic linkages and information exchange among member states, as well as GCC health awareness and education initiatives, including the “Salamtak” program and joint campaigns aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases and injuries.

The two sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and integration among GCC health authorities, and leveraging shared capacities and expertise to improve service quality and enhance the efficiency of health systems, thereby strengthening GCC health security.

The Ministry clarified that the meeting comes in the context of its commitment to supporting joint GCC health efforts and contributing to the implementation of strategic health initiatives and projects, which enhance integration among GCC member states.