QU, PHCC sign collaboration deal

The Qatar University (QU) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) signed an agreement yesterday for collaboration in education, research and clinical training.
The agreement was signed by QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham and PHCC managing director Dr Mariam Ali Abdulmalik in the presence of Dr Egon Toft, QU vice president for Medical Education and dean of College of Medicine (CMED) as well as officials from both institutions.
The terms of the agreement include collaboration in education and training for PHCC staff and QU students from CMED, College of Pharmacy (CPH), and the College of Health Sciences. The agreement also covers joint research projects, exchange of academic information and materials, and the establishment of a joint ethical review board to approve, monitor and review joint research activities.
Both institutions will also co-operate in providing scholarships and sponsorships for PHCC members and QU students involved in health-related programmes. They will also develop and implement continuing education programmes in the field of pharmacy, health sciences and medical education, as well as established joint professional development programmes, seminars, conferences and academic forums.
Dr al-Derham said: “The Board of Regents of Qatar University has recently approved a cluster that merges the colleges of pharmacy, medicine and health sciences under one umbrella with the leadership of the vice president for medical education. The merger aims to maximise both efficiency and synergy building on Qatar University’s long journey in establishing reputable health programmes that are trusted by the health care sector.”
Dr Abdulmalik said “PHCC continues to support the academic health system in Qatar through close collaboration with well-recognised academic bodies. As the national university, QU plays a very critical role in the healthcare sector through its medical and health-related programmes in which its students benefit from practical experiences designed to prepare them for employment in the sector.”
Dr Toft said: “From the start, the relationship between the College of Medicine and PHCC has been a mutually beneficial organic partnership. From clinical training of students, to joint research, student sponsorship and community outreach, QU health programmes will continue to partner with Qatar’s leading health care providers to fulfil Qatar’s vision in creating a world-class healthcare system.”