Manama:The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) recently held a consultative meeting with representatives from both local and international pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Key attendees included Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Dr Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, and Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Ansari, NHRA Chief Executive Officer.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was part of NHRA's continuous efforts to enhance partnerships with the private sector, improve regulatory and oversight procedures, and exchange ideas on increasing efficiency and ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare products. Discussions focused on the development of a robust regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining product quality and safety throughout the supply chain.
The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health underscored the critical role of advanced technologies in product traceability and monitoring conditions such as temperature and humidity during transportation and storage. He also highlighted the necessity of early warning systems and effective handling procedures for products failing to meet regulatory standards.
The Minister of Health stressed the significance of such consultative meetings in fostering cooperation with industry stakeholders and enhancing regulatory development. She reiterated Bahrain's dedication to partnering with the private sector to support an efficient and sustainable healthcare system, noting ongoing advancements in digital transformation and streamlined regulatory processes.
Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Ansari emphasized NHRA's commitment to direct engagement with companies, acknowledging the private sector's vital contribution to healthcare development. He pointed out the benefits of the meeting, which included gathering industry feedback and identifying opportunities to refine regulatory procedures in line with international standards.
Dr Al Ansari also mentioned significant improvements in pharmaceutical registration, such as the adoption of a regulatory reliance mechanism that allows medicines approved by trusted international authorities to be registered in Bahrain within three days. Additionally, NHRA has significantly reduced registration form requirements to enhance administrative efficiency and product availability in the market.
During the meeting, NHRA outlined key initiatives in regulating pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and supplies, covering topics like registration procedures, digital transformation, and regulatory oversight. Company representatives acknowledged the progress in Bahrain's regulatory framework, particularly concerning digital advancements and streamlined processes, and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with NHRA to support sector growth and ensure the local availability of medical products.