A solid co-operation

TDT | Manama

Bahrain and the UAE yesterday explored areas of co-operation and exchange of expertise to enhance their health sector during the opening of the “Joint Initiatives between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Dubai Health Authority” forum. Supreme Council of Health (SCH) president Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, along with health officials from Bahrain and Dubai, took part in the forum, held via video conference.

In his speech, Shaikh Mohammed hailed the forum as a good opportunity to highlight the latest developments of the national initiatives launched in both Bahrain and Dubai to enhance their health sector. He cited Bahrain’s National Health Insurance Programme aiming to improve the quality and efficiency of health services in the kingdom.

At this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SCH head stressed the importance and urgent need of Bahrain-Dubai cooperation to develop the health system and respond to other challenges. The event is within the framework of the ongoing co-operation between Bahrain and the UAE in various fields, in light of the long-standing solid relations between the two brotherly countries and constant support of their leaderships, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE.

Particularly in health insurance management, the SCH chief expressed delight at the continuity of both countries’ co-operation. He also asserted that joint meetings enable the two countries to explore areas of health cooperation and exchange of expertise, especially in the fields of health insurance and self-management of health institutions.

Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla pointed out that Bahrain seeks to develop its health services system, in accordance with the directives of the leadership, the Government Action Plan, and the goals emanating from the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, including the delivery of quality health services according to the principles of fairness, competitiveness, and sustainability.

He added that Bahrain’s national health plan is based on a set of themes, including the creation of an efficient and sustainable health sector that gives patients the freedom to choose their health service provider; ensuring the quality and continuity of health services; regulating areas of spending on health services; attracting national qualified medical competencies; operating effective electronic health information and systems; as well as activating governance in a way that determines the leading roles of institutions.

For his part, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) director-general Humaid Al Qutami said the forum is part of the ongoing joint efforts and initiatives of Bahrain and DHA, noting that DHA has a systematic and clear vision to achieve the required quantum leap.

He also indicated that DHA always seeks to learn about the experiences of others by informing its partners about its successful experiences and exchange expertise with them. Al Qutami highlighted DHA’s future policies to increase its health services and improve their quality, using the latest equipment, and applying the best practices.