Health minister: Qatar keen on providing adequate care to autistic people

The launch of the National Autism Plan demonstrates the great attention that Qatar, under the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, gives to people with special needs and those with autism, said HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari.Speaking at the inauguration of the National Autism Plan 2017-2021, the minister stressed Qatar’s keenness on ensuring that autistic people receive adequate care and attention along with access to necessary services and the right opportunities for education, training and normal life.The plan builds on the goal of Qatar National Vision 2030 that aims at sustaining a high standard of living for all of its people for generations to come, she added.While pointing to the burden and challenges faced by the families of autistic individuals, she said that the most prominent feature of this national plan is that the families were involved in its preparation.The families are better able to express their needs and challenges and the aspirations they seek, HE Dr al-Kuwari said, praising the efforts they made along with the working team of the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant ministries and authorities in the preparation of a comprehensive and integrated national plan.She pointed out that the plan’s vision reflects a part of the commitment to individuals with autism and their right to receive care and support now and in the future, and get access to the same opportunities as others in a society that accepts them as they are.