HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari attended HMC’s National Day celebration activities, which saw participation from patients and their families, visitors, and staff.
The events were symbolic of Qatar’s history, heritage and traditions, HMC said in a statement.
Commenting on HMC’s activities, the minister said: “Qatar National Day is an important occasion for everyone in Qatar to come together as a nation to celebrate our country and recognise how far we have come through the vision and drive of our wise leadership.
“It is also an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in terms of healthcare in Qatar.
“Our facilities and services continue to develop, improve, and grow year on year, and I am proud to see staff from across HMC, who have all contributed to this growth, paying tribute to our beloved nation.
“The activities highlight the pride that HMC staff, their patients and the public take in our country and in HMC as an organisation.
“We see this through their celebration of Qatar’s history and traditions as well as a shared commitment to promoting and learning about health and healthy living.”
Ali Abdulla al-Khater, chief communications officer at HMC and chair of the Ministry of Public Health’s Healthcare Communications Committee, noted: “As well as expressing our pride in Qatar’s history, heritage, and traditions, HMC’s celebrations highlight the significance of this prominent day to members of the public, our staff, and our patients.
“Everyone who attended one of HMC’s National Day celebrations had the opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate their collective pride in our country.”
On December 13, staff from a number of HMC hospitals took part in the Flag Relay organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee.
This was the relay’s second year following its launch at last year’s Qatar National Day celebrations.
The relay encouraged a sense of national identity, pride, and unity.
HMC staff had the opportunity to raise the Qatar flag, and flag-bearers carried the flag to key landmarks across the country, including seven of HMC’s leading hospitals and facilities.
A wide range of recreational and cultural activities were organised for patients, families and staff across HMC to showcase Qatar’s traditions and history.
Some hospitals displayed Qatari crafts and folklore, while others organised performances highlighting various aspects of Qatari culture.
Some facilities treated visitors and patients to a traditional café offering Qatari cuisine.
There were also silent character performances, henna artists, and traditional poetry recitals.
Qatar National Day celebrations at Al Khor Hospital, Hamad General Hospital, Wakra Hospital, the Cuban Hospital, and Hazm Mubaireek Hospital took place on December 16, with celebratory events held at the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre, the Qatar Rehabilitation Center, the Ambulatory Care Centre, and the Human Resources, Engineering and Transportation Departments yesterday.
Those attending these events learned about healthy living from HMC staff, with clinical teams providing information on nutrition and exercise.
Additionally, free basic health checks were provided, including blood pressure and sugar checks.
In recognition of both Qatar National Day and the World Day for Persons with Disabilities, the Health Professions Awareness and Volunteering Programme at HMC organised celebratory events for patients with special needs at the Communicable Diseases Centre, the Enaya Centre in Muaither, the Heart Hospital, and the Psychiatry Department.
The group also organised an event on December 13 at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research for patients receiving cancer treatment.
Staff from HMC’s Ambulance Service and the Hamad Injury Prevention Programme, the community outreach arm of the Hamad Trauma Centre, took part in Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saai.
Representatives of HMC’s Ambulance Service educated the public about the key messages of its “Know the 5 to Save a Life” national awareness campaign, and provided visitors with information on the importance of road safety.
