On the occasion of the 64th conference of the GCC Council of Health Ministers, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 27th and 28th Muharram 1429, being 5th and 6th February 2008, the GCC Secretary General His Highness Abdul Rahman Al-Atiyah expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and General Inspector Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.
His Highness the GCC Secretary General said the GCC heads of states had paid great concern to strengthening joint work in the different fields. "Great attention is paid to national manpower, which is a major concern in all GCC countries", he said. "The decision of Al-Doha Summit regarding the Gulf Market, which came into effect in the beginnings of the current year 2008, has provided great opportunities for movement across member countries and equality". He said development, qualification, and nationalization of health manpower is also a major priority.
Describing the agenda of the GCC ministers of health as "full", Dr. Al-Atiyah said the conference will discuss a number of important issues. He praised the vital role played by Dr. Tawfeeq Ahmed Khoja, the Director General of the Executive office of the GCC Council of Health Ministers, notifying that Dr. Khoja has contributed much to the joint work of the GCC countries. He expressed his hope that the discussions would include the possibility of integration between member states in establishing highly costing specialized health centers that include rare specialties and highly organized labs through implementing far reaching strategies.
Dr. Al-Atiyah valued the experience of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in establishing an integrated network of health centers in the different parts of the Kingdom. "Primary health care is witnessing a boom under the direct supervision of His Highness the Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Al-Mane", he said. He stressed the vitality of health education in informing citizens on dangers, sources, epidemiology and prevention of diseases.
Finally, Dr. Al-Atiyah valued the experience of the Council of the GCC Health Ministers and its Executive Office in elevating Gulf joint health cooperation to great heights and providing member states with a number of outstanding health initiatives which have given its yields.