Health Minister participates in GCC meetings

Manama, Nov. 6 (BNA): Health Minister, Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh, headed the kingdom’s delegation at the sixth meeting of the GCC Health Ministers’ Committee, and the 83rd session of the GCC Health Ministers’ Council, both held on Thursday via video conferencing. The sixth meeting of the GCC Health Ministers' Committee discussed a number of key issues, most notably the GCC Secretariat General’s reports on the GCC countries’ efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee’s action plan, the follow-up on the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) with respect to the pandemic preparedness and response plans, the GCC Healthy Cities Programme, the value-added tax (VAT)-free medical devices and supplies and promoting physical exercise for all social segments. As to the 83rd meeting of the GCC Health Ministers’ Council, it discussed a number of topics, including mainly the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (GCDC) project, and the Health Council’s Executive Plan for 2021, including the GCC Joint Procurement programme, the Central Drug Registration, the GCC central registration of veterinary drugs, among others. The participants stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation and coordination on all GCC health issues.