Manama: Dr. Lulwa Rashid Showaiter, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, chaired an extraordinary virtual meeting of GCC health ministry undersecretaries, organized in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat and attended by representatives from member states. The meeting underscored Bahrain's dedication to enhancing Gulf health cooperation, prioritizing consolidated coordination and integration between national health systems to forge a resilient regional framework ready to tackle emerging challenges.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Showaiter emphasized that the meeting exemplifies the robust connections and continuous coordination among GCC nations, focusing on a unified approach to current developments. She highlighted that recent Iranian attacks on the security and stability of GCC states underscore the necessity for enhanced cooperation, improved preparedness, and the assurance of continuous, efficient healthcare services to safeguard citizens and residents.
Dr. Showaiter expressed Bahrain's gratitude for the efforts of the armed forces and security agencies throughout the GCC in maintaining regional stability and countering threats, applauding the collaborative role of government entities in community and infrastructure protection. She praised the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) for its readiness, alongside the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard, and other security bodies, acknowledging their coordinated efforts in preserving security, safeguarding lives and property, and effectively responding to developments.
She further noted that GCC health systems have shown strong institutional capability and preparedness. Dr. Showaiter emphasized the significance of continuing to develop joint mechanisms, exchange expertise, and adopt best practices to bolster emergency response and enhance regional health security. She also commended healthcare professionals across the GCC for their commitment and professionalism, which reflect the sector's progress and support the consistent delivery of high-quality care.
The meeting's discussions included critical agenda items such as the public health emergency plan of the GCC Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and mechanisms for sharing medical supplies and strategic reserves among member states to ensure sustained availability and more effective emergency response. Participants also examined updates on transport, shipping, and logistics related to medical supplies, assessing the readiness of health services across GCC countries, with the aim of strengthening regional health security and promoting collaborative action.