Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has praised Qatar's efforts in enhancing the public health system both on the regional and global stages.

Qatar has remained a leading destination for hosting premium global conferences and forums, thereby reflecting its effective and pioneering role in championing the issues of health and medicine in general, he underlined. Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of his participation in the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, Dr Ghaffar clarified that Egypt's participation in this event contributes to sharing visions and expertise, in addition to fostering partnerships in a variety of fields of public health.

Dr Ghaffar pointed out that Qatar has demonstrated a robust commitment to lending impetus to the progress of the health sector, something that contributes to enhancing the population's quality of life and sustainable economic development. Touching on the key achievements Qatar has made in the field of mental health, he noted that he visited several leading medical institutions in Doha, including Aspetar -Specialized Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital and Hamad Medical Corp (HMC).

The striking expansion and increasing investments in the health sector in Qatar highlight a strategic vision that inspires pride and honour, especially when incorporating mental health into the priorities of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar, which materialises an advanced awareness and commitment to building an integrated health community, he said.

Dr Ghaffar added that there are professional centres that support mental health for children and families, representing the epitome of the nation's foremost interest in taking care of citizens and residents alike. With regard to the health co-operation between Egypt and Qatar, Dr Ghaffar noted that the bilateral relationship is historic and long-standing at all levels, emphasising that health is a key pillar in this collaboration through sharing expertise and exchanging physicians, as well as a memorandum of understanding poised to be signed between the ministries of health in the two countries to reinforce the facets of bilateral cooperation.

Finally, Dr Ghaffar expressed his gratification for taking part in this summit, affirming that its convention in Doha reflects the close co-ordination between the two nations in a wide array of fields, with the health sector at the forefront. (QNA)