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, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
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.
The Royal Medical Services (RMS) is a health system meant to provide safe, high-quality medical care services by international standards for citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the support and patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the diligent oversight of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the guidance of His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.
The Royal Medical Services is comprised of several government hospitals affiliated with it, including the Military Hospital, King Hamad University Hospital, Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Specialist Centre, the Bahrain Oncology Center, and H.H Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa Center for Kidney Disease, to work within a single health system and enhance work and joint interdependence by harnessing all efforts, energies, capabilities, and resources to implement the goals of sustainable development and ensure the health and well-being of Bahrainis. (BNA; Royal Medical Services (RMS))
