Prof. Tawfik bin Ahmed Khoja, Director-General of the Executive Board of the GCC Health Ministers Council, has extended his most sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Royal Family, and the Saudi people on the huge success of this year's Hajj season, and on the massive breakthroughs accomplished by the Ministry of Health, at the head of which stands His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Al-Rabeeah, in the level of service provided for pilgrims. He also acclaimed the Ministry's colossal efforts in the provision of a safe and healthy environment for the 'guests of Allah', thanks to the support and patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, May Allah protect him.
Under the chairmanship of Prof. Khoja, the 75th regular meeting of the Executive Board of the GCC Health Ministers started yesterday at the Board Headquarters in Riyadh and continues for three days. He thanked Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayyani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for his engagement in the meeting, pointing out that this was the first time for the Secretary General to attend the Executive Board meetings.
Prof. Khoja stated that the meeting takes as its goal the coordination and consolidation of GCC efforts in face of diseases and epidemic, and putting health systems on the right track, within the framework of the GCC aiming to ensure the health prosperity and well-being of Gulf citizens, in addition to enhancing the Gulf health joint work, with a view to attaining a healthy society.
He further expounded that the Executive Board has discussed a number of organizational issues, most notably the Deposit Credit Fund, research, and the financial position of the Fund so far, along with the ways to enhance health information systems, such as the usage of smart cards, and the electronic linking between the GCC states and the Board.
For the sake of clarity, Khoja said that the meeting agenda included over 30 issues to be discussed, all important and of high priority, as regards health safety in GCC countries in many areas and at many levels, with special emphasis on combating non-infectious diseases, quality of healthcare services, registering and combating cancer, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), mental health, osteoporosis, World Health Survey, organ transplantation, occupational health, health media and awareness, nursing care, medical examination of foreign manpower, Saudi Initiative to Combat AIDS in the GCC Countries, and supporting the international fund for combating tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS.
The meeting also came across a number of technical issues, added Prof. Khoja. Among these issues are the mechanism of developing senior health staff in the GCC countries, joint procurement of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies needed for hospitals, hemodialysis supplies, uniforms, oral and dental healthcare supplies, supplies of medical laboratories, blood transfusion services, cardiac and vascular surgery supplies, interventional radiology equipment, orthopedic and spine surgery supplies, medical rehabilitation appliances, in addition to the central pharmaceutical registration, drug pricing, expansion of the Executive Board Headquarters, among other administrative, financial and organizational issues.
Prof. Khoja went on to say that the meeting has also discussed the preparations of the 72nd meeting of the GCC Health Ministers, to be hosted by the Saltana of Oman on 10-11/2/1433H (4-5/1/2012), and that the Executive Board members are going to adopt the agenda proposed to His Excellency the Minister of Health.
On his part, and on part of all the GCC Health Ministers Council staff, Prof. Tawfik Khoja extended his deepest and most sincere condolence to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and his Government, as well as the Saudi people, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the late Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, May Allah bless his soul.
And to His Royal Highness, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Khoja extended his most sincere congratulations, for choosing him to be the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
In conclusion of his statement, Prof. Khoja welcomed the Executive Board members of the GCC Health Ministers Council, praying for Allah to guide them to success at this meeting, in order to make the recommendations that fulfill the aspirations of the Governors, May Allah protect them.