DOHA: The GCC states are studying a proposal to set up a joint committee to monitor the safety of cosmetics being sold in the region.
The proposal by General Authority for Food and Drug Administration in Saudi Arabia will be discussed at the second ministerial committee meeting of the GCC health ministers here on Wednesday.
The meeting at St Regis Hotel will also discuss issues, including equality of citizens of the GCC countries in the use of health services, coordination of GCC efforts in dealing with emergency cases with regard to pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical supplies and health financing and the trend towards universal health coverage.
Other topics on the agenda include combating smoking, international health regulations, and achievement of Millennium Development Goals by the member states. The GCC health undersecretaries will hold a preparatory meeting on Monday.
The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) will today hold a training programme for health service providers on anti-smoking. The aim is to improve the quality of services for tobacco cessation. Experts from Mayo Clinic America will conduct the four-day workshop, the SCH said yesterday. Some participants, including doctors, dentists and pharmacists from the public and private sectors are expected to get international licence for providing quality health services for tobacco cessation.
The Peninsula
