SMART will be initially available in Leabaib and Rawdat Al Khail health centres for at least three months, following which an evaluation is to be done and a plan developed to implement the service at all other health centres.
Currently this service will only be available to Qatari nationals, aged 18 and above and registered at either Leabaib or Rawdat Al Khail health centres. In the longer term, PHCC plans to open the service to all registered clients across all health centres in Qatar.
The primary objective of the SMART checkup is to act as a gateway to full range of primary health care services on offer at PHCC and support the population of Qatar to take steps to maintain or improve their health.
The checkup includes a range of preventative screening for common diseases in the country such as diabetes and hypertension and is designed to help with early diagnosis and treatment. It focuses on identifying common risk factors for ill health so that patients can be supported to adopt a healthier lifestyle to avoid becoming sick in the future by accessing PHCC’s preventative care services.
The service was showcased at The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) conference in November 2016. PHCC has invited the community to attend screening and health maintenance appointments to prevent and manage risks for long-term health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, endocrine or cancer.
During the pilot period, targeted patients will be those at the risk of developing common diseases. The patients will attend the 20 minutes appointment to establish their medical and family history and referred to complete the SMART health check which includes a series of medical tests before being transferred to specialists if required early treatment.
Dr. Samya al- Abdulla, executive director of operation department, PHCC, said the SMART service is in line with PHCC’s pledge to drive forward the national vision for healthcare development in Qatar by providing excellence in health care services to its citizens.
"SMART will support the national public health strategy, which incorporates disease prevention, early detection and surveillance and promotion of healthy behaviours.”
