Bahrain – Saudi health cooperation discussed

Manama, Jan. 14 (BNA): Supreme Council for Health (SCH) Bahrain and Saudi Arabia agreed to hold coordination meetings and workshops and exchange expertise on the implementation of the health insurance programmes. The move was announced as Supreme Council for Health (SCH) President Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and Health Minister Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh received a Saudi delegation by Health Ministry Undersecretary for Planning Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Shaibani. The meeting was attended by Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Walid Al-Manea, SCH Secretary-General Ibrahim Al-Nawakhda, and Assistant Undersecretary for Primary Care Dr. Manal Al-Alawi and other senior officials. The delegation arrived in Bahrain at the invitation of the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) to discuss means of strengthening cooperation regarding the national health insurance programme "Sehati". The SCH president and the health minister stressed the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to develop joint medical cooperation, commending the support of the Government, chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The two officials outlined Bahrain’s national plan 2016-2025 to develop the health sector and promote quality health services, ensure their sustainability, provide funding and implement good governance. Dr. Al-Shaibani gave a presentation on the National Transformation Programme which will contribute to achieving the goals of the Saudi 2030 Vision. He said that the Saudi Health had started launching initiatives new initiatives which, he said, would upgrade services as part of the 2020 National Transformation Programme.