The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with Qatar’s leading health care providers has launched a set of new healthcare guides. A website featuring the contents has also been developed: www.guidetohealthcare.qa

There are separate guides for children, adults and the elderly, describing the types of services available in the public sector as well as the health care centres meant for each type of illnesses.

“These guides help to make it easier to access the healthcare system for the citizens and the residents. Many people are not aware of the services available at a facility or they don’t know where to go when they have a health issue. The guides will be handy to decide on the type of service for their healthcare needs,” said Dr Salih al-Marri, assistant to the Minister for Health Affairs, MoPH at a press conference on Monday.

Mahmoud al-Raisi, chief of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Continuing Care Group; Dr Mariam Abdulmalik, managing director, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chair of Medical Education and Division Chief of Pulmonology, Sidra Medicine were also present.

The launch of the guide coincides with Doha Healthcare Week, being observed from today until November 12. The guides, developed collaboratively by MoPH, HMC, PHCC and Sidra Medicine, will be showcased at a booth in Doha Festival City throughout Doha Healthcare Week.

“The three guides explain everything people need to know about accessing health care services in Qatar, including what services each provider offers, how to get an appointment, and information on choosing the right service for their needs,” explained Dr al-Marri.

Published in Arabic and English, the guides are being translated into languages including Urdu, Tagalog, Nepali, Hindi and Malayalam to make the information easier for more communities to understand.

Over the past 10 years, the health sector has witnessed the opening of nine new public hospitals, six new health and wellness centres in primary healthcare, and numerous private sector facilities.

“HMC has made enormous progress as a provider of specialised healthcare services and it is vital that the public are fully aware of the care we provide and how to access our services,” said al-Raisi.

The guides focus on clearly explaining the first point of entry into the health system and highlight the role of primary healthcare.

“For all non-emergency conditions, primary healthcare is the first point of contact for the majority of patients into the health system. It is vital that people register with their local primary health centre and understand how to access our services. With 26 health centres located across the country, we provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment healthcare services to patients,” stated Dr Abdulmalik.

The specialised healthcare services provided to women, children and young adults in Qatar by Sidra Medicine are also detailed in the healthcare guides.

“Since opening our first outpatient clinics in 2016, Sidra has continued to expand the range of services we provide. We are now proud to play a significant role in the delivery of healthcare in Qatar and we are pleased to be part of these healthcare guides which showcase the integrated nature of Qatar’s healthcare system,” said Prof Janahi.

Following their distribution at Doha Festival City during Doha Healthcare Week, members of the public will be able to get a copy of the guides from any of the healthcare providers.

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