Shafeeq Alingal

Qatar’s health system is able to meet the requirements of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a senior official told Qatar Health 2020 on Thursday.

"This is the most important lesson we learned from the recent FIFA Club World Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup," observed Dr Abdulwahab al- Musleh, deputy executive director, medical affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC).

These major events proved that the national health care system is able to meet the requirements. In an attempt to scale new heights in the health sector and ensure better health services during 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is planning wider health promotional activities and campaigns.

The country is also on a mission to strengthen its collaboration with international stakeholders to achieve the goals. Dr al-Musleh, also chairman of Qatar Health 2020 organising committee, said the country will host several health activities throughout the coming years with a specific focus on healthy living and sports. He noted that collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and FIFA will help the country ensure that healthcare services are delivered efficiently.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is looking to organise an event in collaboration with WHO and other international organisations during the World Health Conference in Geneva in May 2020. The event will focus on healthy lifestyle and sports.

Dr al-Musleh said the programmes will help the officials and health professionals get ready for the 2022 World Cup and noted that the SC got support from MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Aspetar and the medical section of the Ministry of Defence during the FIFA Club World Cup and Gulf Cup.

Dr Hassan al-Thani, head of Trauma Services at HMC, stated that 2022 FIFA World Cup is a checkpoint while pointing out Qatar has successfully organised many mega-events in the last few years.

"Qatar has also become an international transport hub and the facilities in the country are set to serve all the needs during mega-events," he added.