Bahraini-Saudi health cooperation discussed

Riyadh, Jan. 22 (BNA): President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) Lieutenant General Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stressed strong fraternal ties binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The SCH President discussed with Saudi Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabia boosting bilateral cooperation in the health field. The meeting was held on the occasion of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia heading a delegation from the health sector to get informed about the kingdom’s health experience and discuss ways of bolstering bilateral cooperation in this respect. The Saudi minister hailed the Bahraini delegation’s visit, pointing out the importance of bolstering bilateral cooperation in the health field. The SCH President praised the advanced level of cooperation between the two brotherly countries, urging to further boost it mainly in the health field. He also lauded the great development of the health sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highlighted the comprehensive healthcare development projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the remarkable progress in carrying out the national health programme which aims to build a distinguished health system based on quality, choice and sustainability. Both sides affirmed the need to continue holding coordination meetings and joint workshops to exchange experience mainly concerning the health insurance programme. The Bahraini delegation paid a visit to the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where they were welcomed by senior officials, including mainly the company’s Chief Executive Fahad Al Shebel who briefed them about the company’s activities. They also discussed ways of boosting cooperation between both sides. The delegation also visited the Health Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) where the SCH President met with its Director General Suleiman Al Dekhil. They discussed cooperation in central registration of medication and medical equipment. The programme concluded with a visit to the Health Insurance Council where its Secretary General Dr. Shabab Al Ghamedi gave a presentation on the council’s main achievements and projects. The Bahraini delegation comprises the SCH President, Secretary General Ibrahim Al Newakhdha, Health Insurance Fund Board member and Head of the National Committee for Purchase and Unified Registration of Medicines and Medical Equipment Dr. Aisha Mubarak Bu Unq and Chairman of the governance project and the Health Information and Knowledge Management Agency (HIKMA) Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.