HRH the Deputy King Meets WHO Regional Director to Discuss Healthcare Advancements

Manama: The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on Thursday met Her Excellency Dr Hanan Hassan Balkhi, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, at Gudaibiya Palace.

The meeting was held on the occasion of HE Dr Balkhi’s visit to the Kingdom’s Southern Governorate, presenting the municipality with the WHO’s accreditation certificate as a ‘Healthy Governorate’.

His Royal Highness set out Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to strengthening the healthcare sector by adopting the latest scientific and technological developments across diverse medical specialties, with the aim of providing high-quality healthcare services and enhancing the efficiency of the national healthcare system.

His Royal Highness emphasised that improving treatment and rehabilitation services, and implementing leading global practices, are key priorities for the Kingdom and which support efforts to safeguard the health of citizens and deliver high quality healthcare services.

His Royal Highness noted that the completion of the accreditation of the Kingdom’s four governorates as Healthy Governorates within the WHO’s Healthy Cities initiative, reflects the advanced levels of the Kingdom’s health sector and underscores Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to promoting public health.

His Royal Highness commended the dedicated efforts of the Kingdom’s healthcare sector who deliver the highest levels of healthcare and achieving the Kingdom’s goals in the sector.

His Royal Highness highlighted the vital role of the WHO in supporting international efforts to address health challenges and strengthen cooperation in the fields of prevention and treatment, stating that Bahrain’s strong partnership with the organisation contributes to the continued development of national healthcare plans in line with international standards.

His Royal Highness underscored the importance of exchanging expertise with international organisations to bolster the preparedness of health systems, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to ongoing development in support of public health.

For her part, HE Dr Balkhi expressed her appreciation to His Royal Highness for supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain's partnership with the WHO, noting the importance of these efforts in advancing shared health objectives. HE Dr Balkhi concluded by wishing the Kingdom continued progress and prosperity.

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health, HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and several senior officials also attended the meeting.