RIYADH: Kuwait chaired the 100th meeting of the Executive Board of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Council held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The session was presided over by Dr Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Undersecretary at Kuwait’s Ministry of Health. In a statement, the GCC Health Council said the meeting explored a number of key issues aimed at strengthening cooperation among GCC member states in the healthcare sector and advancing collaborative development initiatives.

Discussions focused on the unified Gulf procurement program, which currently involves over 600 pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide, as well as the central drug registration initiative. The Board also reviewed the council’s progress in digitizing pharmaceutical bulletins—part of broader efforts to embrace digital transformation and improve healthcare service quality across the region.

Performance reports and strategic initiatives were reviewed in line with the Health Council’s four-pillar framework: prevention, awareness, development, and health support. The framework aims to boost healthcare system efficiency and sustainability across GCC states. In terms of public health and disease prevention, the council examined the development of the “Salamtak” awareness program and evaluated the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s efforts to enhance regional public health measures.

The board also discussed the “Wafed” program, which oversees health screenings for expatriates prior to their entry into GCC countries. The program currently monitors over 700 medical centers across 30 countries and 82 cities, with discussions also covering its proposed expansion. Several health initiatives proposed by member states were reviewed during the session. The meeting concluded with the adoption of key recommendations, underscoring the GCC’s commitment to advancing healthcare integration and ensuring health security throughout the region.- KUNA