First Gulf Health Insurance Conference kicks off

Manama, Nov. 18 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has deputised President of the Supreme Health Council Lt-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa to open the First Gulf Health Insurance Conference and Exhibition. The event, which is organised by the Supreme Health Council, kicked off today at Isa Cultural Centre under the theme "Developing the Health System: the Gulf Vision on Applying Health Insurance". It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, ministers, former Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, GCC Health Ministers, GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Health Minister Faeqa bint Said Al Saleh, Director General of the Gulf Health Council Suleiman Al-Dekhil, senior invitees and participants. The Supreme Health Council President conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. He expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude to HRH the Premier for his contnuous patronage of international conferences hosted by Bahrain which underlines keenness to support the development process of the health sector in the kingdom. In his opening speech, Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa emphasised Bahrain's unflinching keenness to provide top quality health services for all people in Bahrain. He hailed the kingdom's hosting of the First Gulf Health Insurance Conference and Exhibition, under the auspices of HRH the Premier. He said Bahrain strongly believes that providing distinguished healthcare is an inherent right for every person. He noted that holding the key conference underscores Bahrain's keenness to attract specialised medical conferences that bring together international competencies to exchange medical expertise and build regional and international partnerships to boost sustainability of health services. He pointed out that the conference is one of the key initiatives launched by Bahrain to bolster regional and international cooperation in comprehensive health coverage. He welcomed former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Director-General of the WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom, pointing out that the conference, the first of its kind, aims to exchange visions on implementing national health insurance schemes and discuss important strategies. The conference represents a free platform to hold prolific discussions on reforming the health insurance. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa pointed out Bahrain's recent approval of the National Health Plan 2016-2025, describing it as a strategic priority in implementing the National Health Insurance Programme. He also called to face challenges by promoting health dialogue between countries. Health Minister Faeqa bint Said Al Saleh lauded HRH the Prime Minister's patronage of the conference, pointing out large regional and international participation in it. She hailed participation of the former UN Secretary General and the WHO Director-General, affirming that attendance of the GCC Health Ministers and senior officials from the health sector contributes to achieving GCC health integration and coordinating efforts to provide the best services for people. Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivered a keynote speech in which he thanked Bahrain for its efforts in hosting the conference. He pointed out that everybody has the right to comprehensive healthcare, adding that the UN constitution stipulates the right to healthcare. He called for concerted efforts between countries and organisations to further optimise health services and surmount challenges. Meanwhile, the WHO Director-General affirmed that comprehensive health coverage is a priority in the world. He lauded Bahrain's hosting of the key conference, pointing out the need for every country to set up an efficient health system that guarantees all people have access to high quality health services easily and without being affected financially.