IN BRIEF

 HMC launches ‘Stars of Excellence’ programme for employees

HMC has launched its ‘Stars of Excellence’ programme for 2013 to celebrate the achievements of the teams who have worked on key development projects in the previous year.

In 2012, there were almost 400 nominations made for the programme.

The nominations came from all over the organisation and recognised the contributions of more than 4,000 HMC employees, working on improvement initiatives to enhance the services the organisation provides to their patients.

Nasser al-Naimi, executive director of the Centre for Healthcare Improvement (CHI), which manages the reward and recognition programme, said this year they are hoping for even more entries from teams across HMC.

“The Stars of Excellence initiative places special emphasis upon teamwork, recognising that every accomplishment at HMC, no matter how large or small, comes to life with the help of a strong and supportive team.

“The programme recognises teams who have demonstrated their commitment to HMC’s pursuit of the highest quality of healthcare, which is why we are hoping for even more entries this year,” he said.

He said one of the winning projects from the 2012 awards was a clinical care improvement training programme, which was a joint initiative between medical administration and medical education.

“The programme aimed to develop leader physicians through an intensive course in quality improvement, studying planning, data collection, analysis and implementation. Already 120 doctors have graduated from this programe and this has driven enhancements in clinical care across the organisation, something that will be of real benefit to our patients,” he added.

Nominees who are shortlisted will be invited to attend a gala dinner in November where they will be honoured for their hard work and success.

Demand for illegal cabs soars in summer

By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

The sweltering conditions and lack of shaded areas on roads are prompting many passengers to cut short their long wait for buses or taxis and instead opt for private cars operating as illegal cabs.

While the number of legally operated taxis has increased considerably, unauthorised cabs continue to find passengers in the country. Usually, taxis are easily available at places such as shopping malls, the main bus station and key government offices. However, finding a taxi may not be so easy on highways, in far-flung areas and on the outskirts of Doha. This is where private cars, which are used as taxis by their owners, act as a convenient solution for those waiting for a vehicle.

“When you are waiting in the scorching heat and there is no proper shade around, you will board any car that stops for you,” said an African expatriate in Doha.

It has come to light that professional drivers working for companies or individuals use their sponsors’ cars to ferry passengers waiting on Qatar’s roads. These drivers are usually flexible about the fares as they want to make as much money as possible during the short break they have during work hours.

“When I see somebody waiting on the road, I stop and offer a ride. If the destination suits me and falls on my route, I will take the person for a reasonable fare. It can be as low as QR5. On a good day, I can make up to QR150-200,” said an Indian driver.

Commuters waiting for public transport in the Industrial Area, in particular, are willing to board any car as long as the driver asks for a reasonable fare.

Some drivers ferry several passengers, who are headed in the same direction, on the same trip for fares as low as QR10 per head even if the destination is far away. The drivers take passengers to distant places like Al Khor from the Industrial Area. “For this, people should be willing to wait until I get the required number of passengers, which can take up to a couple of hours,” said a Sri Lankan motorist.

This profession is particularly popular among the unemployed, including those who have lost their jobs and are looking for a replacement. Working as a driver gives them a temporary solution and helps them earn a livelihood. Most of them, though, are aware of the legal risks and consequences involved.

“I am aware of the consequences of using my car in this way, but I have to (do it). Very few companies are willing to hire new employees during the summer. So, what should one do to pay the bills for the time being? Take the car and go around ferrying passengers - just be flexible about the fares,” said an expatriate salesman who was sacked by his company recently.

CNA-Q in QR150,000  donation to QRC

The funds were raised during the CNA-Q Charity Art Auction held on campus in May as part of the institution’s year-long 10th year anniversary, ‘Decade of Excellence’ celebrations.

Dozens of works of art and photography from students, employees, as well as local and international artists were part of the unique event, which included both silent and live auctions.

“We are very pleased to, once again, be able to support the Qatar Red Crescent,” said Dr MacLeod. “This donation was made possible due to the over-whelming support of our staff, students, and community partners who made the art auction such a success.”

CNA-Q welcomed several partners for the event including Qatar International Islamic Bank vice chairman Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani al-Thani, who matched all donations – doubling the QR75,000 raised, as well as purchasing several pieces of artwork.

In addition to Sheikh Ali al-Thani’s substantial personal donation, the Qatar International Islamic Bank and AconTec Engineering both provided donations to cover expenses for the evening, totaling over QR 50,000.

Community involvement is an important part of CNA-Q’s mandate, and each year the college donates funds to local charities. In the past the college has supported the Qatar National Cancer Society, Qatar Charity, and Qatar Minor Hockey Association.

Al Baida Group holds seminar on logistics

He was addressing a seminar on ‘Local logistics support and interfaces resolution in infrastructure projects in Qatar’, organised by his establishment.

Representatives from government establishments and experts and officials from local and International companies operating in Qatar attended.

“The experience gained by the Qatari economy after implementing projects related to the 2006 Asian Games, in conjunction with the economic boom at all levels, highlighted the need for an integrated, world-class setup for logistics services, to absorb pressure on these services which in many cases has led to delay the completion of projects,” al-Misnad recalled.

To avoid such a situation, the ABG CEO said Qatar has launched a number of infrastructure projects that will have a bearing on the quality of logistics services, such as the New Port, which will become one of the largest sea ports in the region.

Recent reports expect the continued growth of the logistics industry in Qatar to increase demand for material handling equipment and solutions to improve the efficiency of loading, unloading and storing goods. All this is taking place against the backdrop of continued growth.

Transport firm ordered to pay arrears, compensation

The plaintiff company filed a lawsuit against the defendant company claiming a payment of QR900,000 towards the amount of a security cheque, which bounced. A subsequent request to pay the amount was not fulfilled.

The plaintiff company had claimed a compensation of QR100,000 for the loss caused by delay of payment and for litigation expenses.

A court appointed accounting expert concluded that the defendant company owes QR487,380 to the plaintiff company.

A compensation of only QR10,000 was allowed.

Expat to be jailed, deported for trying to steal laptop

The convict and an accomplice, also European, were seen by the housewife as they tried to escape with the laptop.

The duo, who entered the sitting room by breaking open the front door, fled the scene abandoning the gadget.

They were apprehended after another theft and identified by the housewife when she was summoned by the police, the daily added.

Evening auction of fish suspended

Auction of local fish will start from dawn during this period and the evening shift will be resumed on August 18.

Expat found hanging

Sources in the community said Swamy had been working at a supervisory level in a prominent gas-to-liquid company in Ras Laffan.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Swamy had returned from a short vacation to his native place only a few days ago, they said. He leaves behind his wife and an infant daughter.

Sources said the body was found after his wife, who is currently in India, informed a colleague of her husband that she was not able to contact him on his mobile phone despite repeated attempts. The police found the man hanging when they opened the flat, after being alerted by the colleague, who is also a neighbour.

The  body was later moved to the Hamad hospital mortuary, sources said.