Head of the Executive committee, Prof. Tawfiq Khoja, said in his speech during the opening session that the meeting will address many important health-related issues in the GCC, including health information systems.
Participants will discuss ways to connect all GCC countries' health centers electronically together, as well as ways to apply the use of the GCC’s “smart ID” in health facilitates across the Gulf.
The meeting will also focus on ways to provide quality health care and ensure patient safety in all health facilities and promote more awareness campaigns for fighting cancer, diabetes and other non-contagious diseases. Other topics will include referral health centers, tobacco control programs, organ transplantation, occupational health and public health awareness.
Khoja went on to say that another key meeting objective is finding strategies for creating an Arabian peninsula free of poliomyelitis, malaria and dengue fever.
The meeting will also address ways to provide the best nursing care in all medical sectors, establish a joint pharmaceutical procurement and registry, and will also launch a trust fund for medical and health research.
The Saudi initiative for fighting and controlling AIDS in GCC countries will also be discussed in the meeting. Participants will also look at the World Health Organization's laws for medical practice and medical staff hiring standards, as well as expanding the program for Medical Examination of Expats; this program has already reduced the spread of disease among expats in the GCC from 20% to 7% during the last 10 years.
Other activities include making preparations for the 71st meeting of the Executive Committee of Ministers of Health for the GCC states. Members will choose a date and venue for the meeting, which will take place during the WHO’s general assembly next month.
In the past, the Committee’s exceptional efforts and dedication have resulted in its being awarded a number of regional and global certificates. This year, the Executive Committee of Ministers of Health for the GCC states has been awarded the Platinum Class International Star Award for Leadership and Excellence in Quality. The award, which is an international recognition of the GCC leaders’ dedication and commitment to their work, was received by Dr. Khoja, with his thanks. Dr. Khoja assured the GCC leaders that with Allah’s blessings, the Executive Committee will maintain its prestigious international position.