RMS, US CENTCOM sign MoU to boost military medical cooperation

Manama, Nov. 9 (BNA):  The Royal Medical Services (RMS) of the Bahrain Defence Force, represented by Brigadier General Dr. Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of RMS, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), represented by Colonel Larry McCord, Command Surgeon for CENTCOM, to strengthen medical cooperation between the two sides.

The MoU aims to support joint research and training initiatives, enable Bahraini medical personnel to benefit from the expertise of visiting U.S. doctors, and utilise RMS facilities to provide high-quality care to U.S. personnel, enhancing the overall standard of medical services in the Kingdom.

Brigadier General Dr. Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa described the MoU as a key milestone in Bahrain-U.S. cooperation and a strategic step in advancing international medical collaboration.  He noted that the Bahrain Medical Cooperation Programme will enable joint military medical teams to exchange expertise, enhance readiness, improve crisis response, and save lives, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of armed forces medical personnel while fostering learning, innovation, and long-term collaboration.

Colonel McCord highlighted the programme as the first of its kind in the Middle East, enhancing medical readiness and knowledge exchange between U.S. and Bahraini military teams, supporting humanitarian missions, and strengthening the health and safety of personnel.  He praised the initiative as a demonstration of the strong friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders and directors of RMS hospitals and medical centres, as well as top officials and directors from both sides.