The Undersecretaries of the GCC Ministries of Health convened today (Wednesday) a virtual preparatory meeting for the 6th Meeting of the Health Ministers Committee.

The meeting discussed a number of topics of common concerns including implementation of the decisions of the 40th session of the Supreme Council, enhancement of strategic partnership, development of joint action mechanisms, as well as the Secretariat General Vision on the health joint action after COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it discussed the reports of the Secretariat General on the health efforts that have been taken by the GCC in tackling COVID-19.

The preparatory meeting highlighted the efforts exerted by the GCC States in the voluntary health work, the action plan of the GCC Ministerial committee during 2021 – 2025, recommendations in the health field regarding the International Health Regulations (2005) and evidence on pandemics preparedness and response plans issued by the technical committees, the GCC general framework of the public health plan for emergency preparedness and response, and the GCC general framework of the public health emergency plan at the GCC airports.

With regard to healthy cities, the meeting touched upon the GCC unified guide for healthy cities in the GCC States and the gulf strategic plan for the healthy cities program.

In addition, the Meeting addressed the medications and medical supplies exempted from value-added tax in accordance with the decisions of the supreme council.

The meeting stressed the importance of coordinating and standardizing the GCC attitudes and visions in the international and regional health meetings along with strengthening the strategic partnerships and dialogues and cooperation with a number of friendly countries and regional and international groups in order to benefit from the global experiences in the health field.

It is worth mentioning that recommendations resulting from this meeting will be submitted to the 6th Meeting of the Health Ministers Committee, to be held on November 1st, 2020.