Introducing new medical specialities such as Executive Health to the region enhances Qatar’s position as a hub for premium medical services and medical tourism, Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine’s (AMNM) chief medical officer Dr Jessica Adam said. 
“As part of the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2018-2022, Qatar’s vision is to build on the significant expansion of the country’s health services while improving the health and healthcare services for everyone in the country,” she told Gulf Times, adding that the launch of the NHS 2018-2022 marked the beginning of an important and exciting new phase in Qatar’s health journey.
Dr Adam highlighted the importance of having world-class evidence-based medical services in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, ENT, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Dermatology, Dentistry, Reproductive Medicine and In Vitro Fertilisation, Gynaecology, Anaesthesiology and Diagnostic Imaging, and Laboratory Medicine (all offered at AMNM) – which is expected to further boost Qatar’s medical tourism.
She noted that AMNM will introduce other medical specialities such as ophthalmology, plastic surgery, additional dentistry specialities and Executive Health in 2021.
Dr Adam also underscored the vital role of having highly credentialed allied health professionals to provide advanced medical care and premium services.
“AMNM’s vision is to become the trusted and innovative, next-generation healthcare provider in Qatar and beyond. Building on Alfardan Group’s legacy in premier leadership in luxury experiences, AMNM aims to position and cement Qatar as a regional hub for premium medical services and enhance its prominence in international medical tourism,” she said.
“We operate an American model in advanced and evidence-based medicine practices, backed by highly credentialed physicians and allied health professionals practising in a complete patient-centric approach, incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care,” Dr Adam said. “This entails a seamless healthcare journey for the well-being of patients through infrastructure, architecture, and services.”
She noted that AMNM’s commitment to excellence is rooted in advanced medicine: offering the top-quality level of healthcare and following the continuous advancement in the medical field.  
“Moreover, benefiting from the interdisciplinary collaboration between the different departments at AMNM and support from Northwestern Medicine in Chicago when needed, patients receive high-quality medical care from outstanding doctors and friendly medical staff using state-of-the-art, USA Food and Drug Administration approved equipment,” Dr Adam said. 
She added that the ambulatory care centre’s world-class healthcare services are powered by a multinational collective of specialised medical staff and professionals from leading markets, including a large contingent from the US or US-trained professionals. 
According to Dr Adam, AMNM is responsible for the selection of medical staff and specialists, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine and based on their stringent talent recruitment and development standards. 
About the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to medical institutions such as AMNM, she said ensuring and taking responsibility of the health and safety of their employees and patients within their premises have become a priority.
Dr Adam said the ambulatory care centre – following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health – ensures that the right protective measures and policies are in place to safeguard everyone’s well-being. These include temperature check and symptom screening, wearing of face mask, frequent sterilisation, sanitisation, and social distancing, among others.
About addressing the challenges in opening an ambulatory care centre in Qatar amid a pandemic, she said: “Opening a new healthcare facility during a pandemic is not easy, but our strong commitment and dedication to serving the community and providing service excellence, even in times of uncertainty, has compelled us to ensure that AMNM is ready to welcome patients. We were able to start operating with the support of MoPH.”