[16/08/2026 04:24]

ADEN-SABA

Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Qasim Buhaibeh stressed the need to strengthen health preparedness and raise readiness to deal with various emergencies through clear, integrated and actionable plans at both central and local levels, ensuring rapid response, protection of lives and timely delivery of healthcare services.

He made the remarks while chairing an expanded health meeting today with directors general of health and population offices in the governorates to discuss emergency plans, readiness to address various health risks, available resources, and key needs and gaps requiring central support.

Buhaibeh underscored the importance of reviewing the level of preparedness in the governorates and hearing their plans and needs, noting that the ministry would follow up on the issues raised, set priorities and strengthen the health system's capacity to respond to emergencies efficiently.

He said central and local emergency plans should reflect the realities and needs of each governorate and provide a general framework integrated with governorate-specific plans based on geographical and population characteristics, the scale of risks, and available resources and capacities.

The minister stressed that governorate plans should identify potential risks, intervention priorities and coordination mechanisms among relevant sectors and agencies, as well as accurately assess available hospitals, beds, medical and emergency teams, medicines and medical supplies and identify needs and gaps. This, he said, would help the ministry design appropriate interventions and allocate resources according to priorities.

He also emphasized stronger coordination between the ministry and governorate health offices, as well as among health facilities, while making optimal use of available resources, prioritizing facilities best equipped to receive and treat emergency cases and ensuring alternative options to address any sudden pressure on health services.

The directors general of the health offices reviewed potential risks and intervention priorities in their respective governorates, along with the capacities of health facilities, available beds, medical and emergency personnel, medicines and medical supplies, and coordination mechanisms among health offices, facilities and relevant agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies.

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