Qatar is a major destination for all kinds of Nepalese workers  – skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. At the same time, the number of Nepalese professionals like doctors, engineers and chartered accountants among others working in reputable institutions and organisations in Qatar has also shown a sharp increase. Community caught up with physician Dr Narendra Kumarr Shakya, a medical professional in Life Line Medical Center, and talked to him about the state of healthcare in Nepal,  the high level of medical facilities in Qatar and the health problems faced by migrant workers. Excerpts:


How long have you been working here? How does clinical practice in Qatar differ from that of Nepal?
I have been working in Qatar for almost eight years. The clinical practice in Qatar is of European standards under the strict supervision of Ministry of Health (MoH) as opposed to Nepal.  


How does the working environment affect doctors in delivery of their service? Can you make some comparison between working environments of the two countries?
The working environment in Qatar is very healthy and the medical services are affordable for all classes as compared to that of Nepal. The professional environment is very important for doctors and ancillary staff to deliver quality services to patients.


There are many issues currently in the field of medicine in Nepal? Do you have something to say about it? 
In Nepal, there is lack of medical practitioners, and so, in many corners of the country people are not getting access to qualified health service. Nepal should produce sufficient doctors in its own medical colleges. Colleges should maintain WHO standards. And, for those who want to study in a foreign country in a WHO-recognised university, they should be allowed to do so without any exam in Nepal. 
 
How can Nepal upgrade its health policies? Are there any lessons to be learnt from Qatar?
Nepal must increase the number of Primary Healthcare Centers with qualified doctors and sophisticated medical equipment both in cities and villages. Qatar has Primary Health Corporation and through its vast network, it has developed a lot of primary healthcare centres across the country. Apart from that, the insurance system must be brought in as soon as possible. 
 
Can you give some advice to Nepalese workers and community to change their lifestyle in order to lead a healthy life?
People can lead a healthy life with regular exercise and medical checkups. Healthy food is low-salted, fatless vegetables and meat, not red meat. We should not forget exercise is an important part of life.


What are the prospects for health professionals in Qatar? What advice would you give to young Nepalese health professionals who want to work in Qatari hospitals?
Here we have great prospects for international medical professionals. Medical service centres are opening each day. One who fulfils the criteria of Ministry of Health (MoH) can get medical practice license to work. The available job opportunities and their respective information can be accessed online.


There is a concern among Nepalese people about sudden deaths of workers in many countries. What preventive measures can be taken?
According to Nepalese newspapers, there are 200-300 such deaths annually. The main cause of these natural deaths is the complication raised by hypertension and other cardiac diseases. The Nepalese government must provide a cardiac screening package for those who want to work in foreign countries and it should be provided with necessary advisory material. The Nepalese workers generally suffer from skin diseases, urinary including renal calculi, dehydration, gastritis, and respiratory problems. Hypertension is dangerous, so it needs regular health checkups. Many are irregular for checkups.


Last word …
Many professionals in Nepal are not getting optimum information about Qatar in Nepal. There are a lot of opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs. There is urgency to set up a Qatar information centre in Nepal. I am very happy to work here with the international community and I am grateful to the Qatari government for having provided me with this opportunity.