GCC Health Council Centralizes Drug Procurement to Bolster Regional Supply Security

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Council has launched a coordinated strategy to centralize pharmaceutical procurement and increase local manufacturing, aiming to stabilize medical supply chains across the six-member bloc. The initiative focuses on the Unified Procurement Program, a regional mechanism that aggregates the pharmaceutical needs of member states to secure bulk pricing and ensure the availability of essential medicines. Centralized Tendering and Cost Control The GCC Health Council currently manages one of the largest unified medical purchasing systems in the Middle East. By consolidating tenders for medicines, laboratory supplies, and medical equipment, the council achieves significant price reductions, often ranging between 30% and 40% compared to individual state procurement. This system currently tracks thousands of medical items, providing a buffer against global price fluctuations and supply shortages. To support these logistical efforts, the council utilizes the "Waseel" electronic platform. This system facilitates real-time data sharing between health ministries in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, allowing for the rapid…