The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) in conjunction with the US Cooperative for International Patient Programs (USCIPP), a program of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL), has concluded the first day of the 2023 US-Bahrain Healthcare Partnership Forum.
The Forum under the patronage of the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, is taking place between 17-18 September 2023.
The Forum, held with the support of FinMark Communications, attracted more than 80 participants, including experts in the healthcare sector from both the United States of America and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This included a diverse group of senior industry leaders and decision-makers from private hospitals/clinics, governmental ministries and departments, medical schools, professional associations, insurance companies, and other key organizations.
Importantly, in attendance was a U.S delegation representing a number of the US’s most prestigious medical centers including Atrium Health, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Cedars Sinai, Children’s National, Cleveland Clinic, CommonSpirit Health, Cook Children’s, Indiana University Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, UChicago Medicine and UCLA Health.
The Forum provided a unique opportunity for engagement, high-level dialogue through a series of expert-led panel discussions, and opportunities for networking to bolster cooperation, direct contact and business building between Bahraini and US counterparts.
The first day of discussions focused on exploring “Bahraini and US Perspectives on International Partnerships in Healthcare”, “Care for Bahraini Patients Inside and Outside the Country”, “International Telemedicine and Remote Second Opinion Services” and “International Partnerships in Specialty Care Services”.
Inaugurating the Forum, Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa praised the organization of this purposeful Forum in Bahrain. Shaikh Al Khalifa highlighted the Kingdom’s dedicated and continuous efforts to develop the medical system and healthcare, with the launch of several important initiatives to enhance the quality of medical services and ensure their sustainability at a high level of efficiency.
Shaikh Al Khalifa lauded the longstanding healthcare collaboration between the US and Bahrain, highlighting key examples including The American Mission Hospital, formerly known as the Mason Memorial Hospital, as well as the recently launched King Hamad, American Mission Hospital in A’ali, a cutting-edge facility that stands as one of the most advanced healthcare institutions in Bahrain and the Gulf region.
Shaikh Al Khalifa concluded by wishing participation and visiting delegations a fruitful forum. He emphasized the importance of the objectives of this special event in strengthening the bonds of communication and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, as well as enhancing common interests in this highly important sector through strengthening strategic partnerships.
Mr. Jarrett Fowler, Senior Director of Strategic and International Initiatives at NCHL, said that “It was an honor to be able to lead the largest-ever delegation of US hospitals to Bahrain. Today’s event was a resounding success and will certainly result in new cross-border partnerships in healthcare between our two countries.”
The first day’s activities concluded with an evening reception hosted by the US Embassy where attendees had the opportunity for further exchange and follow-up ahead of the Forum’s final day.
Supporting the Forum are a number of contributing organizations including the Ministry of Health of Bahrain, the US Embassy in Bahrain, the US Commercial Service, FinMark Communications and Affiliate Partner, American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. Forum sponsors include KRH and American Tele physicians.
