Healthcare | Saturday 7 February, 2015 2:46 pm |

The meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health ministers in Riyadh revolved around the development of various health systems in the Gulf, under the theme: ‘Measuring Health Systems: The Way to Excellence.”

One of the topics discussed during the conference was the revised standard Gulf plan for the years 2015 to 2025, to prevent noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure among other illnesses.

Another common interest topic pinpointed by the GCC health ministers was a 15 year-long plan to fight drug abuse, which encourages member countries to join a protocol to fight illegal drug trade.

During the conference, members approved the Riyadh Declaration on Health Systems Performance, emphasizing the importance of periodic reviews of the plan.
The declaration contains policies and guidelines aimed at enhancing, evaluating and measuring the performance of health care systems in the member countries to continue improving them. According to the conference’s final guidelines, constant better health care services can be offered to citizens and residents based on the concept of “more health for money.”

During the conference, council members suggested adding the Saudi Cabinet’s resolution to ban advertisement on energy drinks to curb their harmful effects.
In order to preserve the region’s environment, the health ministers also recommended the formation of an environmental health action plan, as well as standards in accrediting health care facilities in the region.