Qatar took part in significant meetings focused on health sector collaboration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held in Manama, Bahrain. The events included the 89th Gulf Health Council meeting and the 12th GCC Health Ministers’ Committee meeting, both of which took place on Sunday. Leading Qatar’s delegation was Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, as officials discussed ways to enhance regional cooperation in the health sector.
Central to the meetings was the review of the Gulf Health Council’s budget for 2027 and the unveiling of planned initiatives. Additionally, participants scrutinized the council’s action plan scheduled for 2026–2030. These discussions are part of a broader effort to ensure effective planning and resource allocation to meet the region’s health needs.
Strategic decisions concerning the storage of food, medicines, and other vital supplies were also on the agenda, alongside deliberations on health examinations for expatriate workers. These topics underscore the GCC’s commitment to not only improving health infrastructure but also ensuring that the necessary resources and checks are in place to maintain public health standards across member states.
Moreover, the meetings addressed the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs, set for 2025–2028, reflecting a regional approach to tackle substance abuse. Plans to establish a Gulf Centre for Food Risk Assessment were also discussed, highlighting the council’s proactive stance on food safety and risk management. As part of their agenda, officials reviewed the progress made on decisions from the previous GCC Health Ministers’ Committee meeting, ensuring that previous commitments were being met and integrated into future plans.