Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi today emphasized the strategic importance of the health sector for GCC countries and highlighted the significant progress made in the region's healthcare infrastructure and services. Speaking at the tenth meeting of GCC Ministers of Health in Doha, chaired by Qatar's Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Albudaiwi noted that the number of hospital beds in the GCC exceeded 121,000 in 2022, with over 224,000 registered doctors and 69,000 pharmacists. He added that more than 400,000 Gulf citizens benefited from government medical services in other GCC countries in 2023. The secretary general acknowledged the facilities and support provided by Qatar and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and interest from the leaders of the member states. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to advance the GCC mission in the benefit of its people. Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC's regional and international standing in the healthcare sector, citing increases in medical doctors, hospital beds, pharmaceutical products, and standardized specifications. He attributed this success to the concerted efforts of its member states and their commitment to providing high-quality healthcare. The ministers of health of the GCC member states discussed several important topics requiring decisions to enhance joint Gulf achievements in the health sector. This includes continuing the joint efforts to monitor expatriate labor and achieving the noble goals of the GCC to unify classification and registration procedures for health specialties. They also addressed implementing international health regulations and standardizing health procedures at border crossings among member states to strengthen the GCC's capacity for comprehensive pandemic response and preparedness. They emphasized raising awareness among citizens of the member states through promoting healthy cities and shopping centers based on a strong belief in the importance of health practices that support a conscious Gulf community. The meeting participants covered the continuation of close coordination among the countries in health matters. They also reviewed the outputs of the technical committees in the health sector and proposals from the member states for developing and enhancing health services. Source: Saudi Press Agency