Under the auspices of His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Rabeeah, the Health Services Council and heads of scientific health associations will sign memorandums of understanding (MoU) on Sunday morning.
This was stated by the General Secretary of Health Services Council, Dr. Yaqoub Al Mazro'a, who also added that the Council always cooperates with other scientific bodies to improve health services by utilizing the availability of experts from many sectors of the healthcare community to act as specialized advisors to the Council.
He added that signing these memorandums of understanding between the Health Services Council and scientific health associations comes within this framework; hopefully, this understanding will allow for research in a wide array of specializations. MoU’s are an important tool for the Council to secure the opinions and professional input of experts on a number of topics. Such understandings strengthen and support the positive role that professional associations can play in society.
Cooperation with scientific associations also help to raise public health awareness, implement policies, facilitate research and coordinate the setting of terms and conditions related to the introduction of new surgical procedures and controversial healthcare methods. They also help the MOH to monitor health challenges facing the society and to find appropriate solutions. These organizations can also help in organizing conferences and workshops to introduce and develop new research and treatment methods. Such cooperation results in a better healthcare system for all, and specialized organizations can be of great help in setting quality standards for both healthcare and patient safety.
Dr. Al Mazro'a stated that one of the most important recommendations to come from the first forum on the role of scientific associations was that health associations should coordinate periodically with the Council regarding research results and assist with the adoption of new scientific procedures. Professional scientific associations should play the major role in transforming the results of research into new procedures by publishing and updating them regularly and coordinating with the Council to formally approve them.
In addition, the Council has achieved the goal of establishing a strategic relationship with scientific and health associations to be one of its advisory bodies.
Dr. Al Mazro’a concluded his remarks by saying that strengthening the cooperation between all of the Kingdom’s health authorities will achieve positive results in enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services.