Bahrain Chairs GCC Emergency Health Meeting

Lulwa Rashid Al Shuwaiter, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, chaired the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Committee of Health Undersecretaries, held via video conference in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with the participation of health undersecretaries from member states.

Al Shuwaiter reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting joint Gulf health cooperation and strengthening coordination and integration among the health systems of GCC countries. She emphasized that such efforts contribute to building an integrated Gulf health system capable of addressing various health challenges.

She noted that the extraordinary meeting reflects the strong relations and ongoing coordination among GCC states across different sectors, and supports the principles of joint Gulf action in responding to current developments. She highlighted the importance of intensified cooperation to enhance preparedness, improve emergency response capabilities, and ensure the continued delivery of healthcare services efficiently, safeguarding the health and safety of citizens and residents.

The Undersecretary expressed Bahrain’s appreciation for the efforts of the armed forces and security agencies across GCC countries in protecting national security and stability. She also praised the complementary roles of government institutions in strengthening safety and safeguarding vital facilities.

She further commended the role of the Bahrain Defence Force, as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Interior (Bahrain) and the National Guard of Bahrain, in maintaining security and protecting lives and property.

Al Shuwaiter stressed that GCC health systems have demonstrated high efficiency and institutional readiness in dealing with various challenges, underlining the importance of further developing mechanisms for Gulf health coordination, exchanging expertise, and enhancing emergency preparedness to strengthen regional health security.

She also praised the dedication of healthcare professionals across the GCC, noting their professional and humanitarian contributions, which reflect the development of the health sector and support the continuity of high-quality services.

During the meeting, participants reviewed several agenda items, including the public health emergency plan of the GCC Center for Disease Prevention and Control, mechanisms for exchanging medical supplies and strategic stockpiles among member states, developments in transportation, shipping, and logistics related to medical supplies, and overall healthcare readiness levels. The discussions aim to further enhance Gulf health security and strengthen joint cooperation.