About 2,000 low income workers attended an awareness programme organised by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with a number of governmental and social organisations at the Medical Commission on Saturday.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Hamad international Training Centre, Ministry of interior (Civil Defence, Public Relations Department), Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs and Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre were the main partners in the programme. The event was co-ordinated by Focus Qatar, a socio cultural organisation.
Public Health Department's Occupational Health Section head Dr Mohamed Ali Mohamed al-Hajjaj, Philippines ambassador Allan L Timbayan, Nepal ambassador Prof Ramesh Prasad Koirala and Indian embassy third secretary Dr Mohamed Aleem, representatives from various ministries and partners were present on the occasion.

Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr al-Hajjaj said: “Ministry has intensified the data collection regarding the injuries to workers from different stakeholders so that we can think of measures to improve the workers’ safety. We have approached HMC as well as other stake holders for data regarding the type of injuries to the workers as well as occupational diseases. This will help us in taking steps in improving the work place safety.”



Workers at the Medical Commission. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

"Countries that have good data will be better placed to fulfil their commitment to implement and report on the global plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all under the United Nations 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. Accurate data will help to save lives. Let us make it a priority,” he added.
The female workers attended the morning session and the male workers took part in the afternoon session. There were long queues of workers at the venue and a well equipped medical team was at hand to see the workers and advise them on various aspects.
All the doctors were supplied by HMC and several paramedical staff from Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre were also on hand to assist the workers. They took the vital signs of the workers and made them aware of lifestyle diseases and occupational hazards. Some of the workers were also provided with free medicines.
“Over 400 female workers were seen in the morning. More than 1,500 male workers had registered for the camp. All together nearly 2,000 people participated in the camp. A medical team comprising of about 30 doctors, 50 paramedical staff and about 10 physiotherapists assisted the workers in the morning as well as in the afternoon,” said Askhar Rahman, CEO, Focus Qatar.
About 200 members of Focus Qatar took part as volunteers. "We provided lunch and dinner for the participants of the camp. We also had about 50 lady volunteers in the morning session to help the women workers,” added the official.

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