Seha launches supportprogramme for diabetics

The aim of the programme is to provide support and education to enable patients to live healthier lives and delay the onset of diabetes-related complications. It is open to adult Seha beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes is a global problem that is increasing the burden on healthcare systems and individuals alike. Here in Qatar, the number of people suffering from the disease is expected to increase significantly over the coming years based on current trends,” explained Faleh Mohamed Hussain Ali, acting CEO of the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC).

“Self-management is a well-recognised cornerstone of diabetes care and patients spend a lot of time self-managing their condition. Through this programme we aim to support patients in this process, providing information and advice to allow people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

Seha’s diabetes management programme is an outreach telephone service, with a personal care management nurse assigned to each participating member. The nurse works together with the patient, providing information and support to help manage their condition, referring back to the healthcare provider when required.

The nurse works with the Seha member to inform and guide the individual about screening for complications, self-care, immunisations, concurrence with treatment and medications, including introducing physical activity into daily care.  The diabetes management programme team also includes a dietician to provide support and guidance on nutrition.

There is no limit to the length of time a member can benefit from the scheme given the progressive nature of diabetes although members can choose to decline or opt out of the programme at any time. Contact with members is based on individualised need and risk factors. A member who is well managed and considered low risk will have less intense contact than a member who is classified as high risk.

“The risks from diabetes can be reduced by stopping smoking, healthy diet, increasing physical activity and regular screening. We will work with members to find out what motivates and is important to them and how they can implement simple changes into their daily lives that will increase their health and reduce risks,” Dr Faleh said.

The diabetes management programme is offered as an additional benefit of Seha which provides Qatari nationals with comprehensive health insurance coverage for the full range of basic health services through a network of high quality public and private providers.

Complaints about health insurance

People are complaining about not getting certain type of medicines that are supposed to be covered in their health insurance plans, the local Arabic daily Arrayah  has reported.

The paper quoted them as saying that even though the medicines had been listed in their prescription slips issued to them by private hospitals and clinics, the pharmacies refused to give them  on the pretext that they were not covered by their health insurance company. 

Some creams are not given by the pharmacies claiming that they are cosmetic products and not medicines. 

Citizens also complained of overcrowding in hospitals and clinics,calling for increasing the number of private health establishments. 

They criticised the limit on the number of private service providers under the insurance system.

They asked why many other private hospitals and clinics that had licences to operate in Qatar were not providing insured health services.

They also called for including in the health insurance system, hospitals and health centres that are specialised in dental medicine, heart and other branches.