Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – Strategic procurement requests valued at approximately BD1.5 million were discussed at the 65th Information and Communication Technology Governance Committee (ICTGC) meeting, held virtually and chaired by Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.

Al Qaed welcomed the attendees, thanking them for their contributions. Items on the agenda included the latest developments and technical preparations concerning the 10th Bahrain International eGovernment Forum, set to take place from 9th to 11th October under the patronage of the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), HE Gen. Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

The meeting also included a discussion on consultancy services aimed at studying the new national healthcare information system. The project comprises a comprehensive examination of the requirements and technical specifications of the new system, restructuring associated processes, analyzing gaps, and identifying opportunities for enhancement. These efforts are aligned with the government's goals of improving the quality, efficiency, and expediency of healthcare services, in accordance with globally recognized best practices. 

Operational procurements related to the maintenance and support of government systems and applications were also covered, including ways to enhance their efficiency while reducing operational expenses. Implemented decisions from previous meetings were also reviewed.

In attendance were Ministry of Education Undersecretary for Policies, Strategies, and Performance, Nawal Al Khater; Deputy CE of Operations and Governance, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Almutawa; Ministry of Health Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Ijlal Faisal Ali Al-Alawi; Ministry of Finance and National Economy Director of Financial Systems Development, Abdullah Ahmed Dhaif; and Director of Services & Information Technology at the Office of the Prime Minister, Ahmed Abdulnabi Al Qayem. Dr. Ali Al-Soufi, the Information Technology Advisor, and the supporting team of the Information and Communications Technology Governance Committee were also present.