KUWAIT CITY, Oct 4: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi, on Saturday lauded the bloc’s groundbreaking strides in the health sector as clear evidence of successful regional integration and the effective realization of the Gulf leaders' vision for collective development.

Speaking at the 11th GCC Health Ministers’ Committee meeting, held in Kuwait, Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the Gulf health system has made major advances in disease prevention, medical service delivery, and the professional development of healthcare teams. These achievements, he noted, are helping to shape a unified, efficient healthcare framework across GCC member states.

He stressed that the GCC countries are progressing steadily toward pan-Gulf integration through standardized health protocols and strategic partnerships with international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Highlighting one such collaboration, Al-Budaiwi referenced the adoption of the WHO’s Healthy Cities Program, aimed at promoting public health and sustainability across urban areas in the region.

Describing health as a cornerstone of sustainable development and human capital investment, the Secretary-General cited significant statistics to underscore regional cooperation. In 2023 alone, over 204,000 Gulf citizens received government-funded medical care in other GCC countries—an example, he said, of trust and functional integration across borders.

Al-Budaiwi further revealed that the region now boasts more than 863 hospitals, with an annual growth rate of 1.5 percent, and over 3,400 health centers and complexes, expanding at 2.5 percent annually.

In line with this growing momentum, GCC health ministers approved a series of decisions and initiatives during the same meeting to further develop the Gulf health system and enhance regional cooperation.

According to a statement from the GCC Secretariat General, the ministers adopted the GCC Strategic Framework for Combating Drugs, with a strong focus on treatment and rehabilitation, alongside the endorsement of a unified action plan for the GCC Health Ministers’ Committee (2026–2030).

They also approved the launch of the second phase of healthcare practitioner classification and registration procedures—a move aimed at standardizing medical licensing across GCC countries. In addition, the ministers committed to fully implementing the International Health Regulations (2005) and its 2024 amendments, strengthening health security across the region.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of bolstering the work of the Joint Committee for Healthy Cities, aligning it with the region’s future visions, and officially launched the GCC Health Excellence Award, intended to encourage innovation and service quality in healthcare.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to digital transformation and innovation, deepening regional and international health partnerships, and developing support programs for people with disabilities, intending to reduce the causes and effects of disability throughout the Gulf.