The National Cancer Framework 2017 - 2022 was launched by HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari with the motto “Achieving Excellence in Cancer care: A vision for 2022.”
The event marked the start of a new five-year plan to build on the solid foundations developed through the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2011-2016.
The National Cancer Framework is the result of a six-month multi-stakeholder consultation utilising the achievements, challenges and learning from the first National Cancer Strategy implementation to focus resources and investment to further develop services across the entire health sector.
The framework reinforces the need for rapid diagnosis, multi-disciplinary sub-specialised precision cancer treatment, supported by local access to world leading clinical research programmes. It includes public education, awareness and prevention activities to support long term objectives within the Public Health Strategy to develop healthier lifestyles habits; diet, exercise and tobacco cessation which will help protect against many cancers.
The event was attended by experts from the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and Qatar Cancer Society, as well as members of voluntary organisations with an interest in cancer care.
Dr al-Kuwari, said, “The National Cancer Strategy 2011-2016 was a significant step in our country’s journey to increase public awareness of all aspects of cancer and the services available. The achievements of this strategy, inclusive of the improvements in care delivered, have been well documented but I would like to draw attention in particular to improvements in engagement with our patients and communities. By improving our understanding of the needs of our patients, we are delivering care that is not just of high clinical quality, but has a meaningful positive impact on people’s lives.”
“Through implementation of the programs set out in this framework, cancer services in Qatar have the opportunity to become among the best in the world. It is important that the whole system is clear in its commitment to coming together and working with a common purpose to deliver the quality of services and experience that our families, friends and community deserve,” she added.
Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, chair of the National Cancer Committee highlighted the vision and commitment across the health sector in delivering the National Cancer Strategy. “The improvements in services in recent years have enabled us to not only talk about new equipment, facilities and staff in the framework, although these things are of course still important, but we can now also talk about patient engagement, experience, and most importantly outcomes,” said Lord Darzi.
The new framework will ensure earlier intervention through enhanced screening programmes, continued rapid diagnosis, and treatment, which will ensure cancer diagnoses are made earlier when treatment can be less invasive with improved outcomes. The framework recognises the importance of supporting patients across the entire pathway and has an increased focus on understanding the patient experience, and working with patients in the development of services.
It will allow for the measurement and monitoring of the progress made during implementation, using the approach indicated by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement’s “Triple Aim”, of Better Health, Better Care and Better Value.
