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The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is celebrating customer service week under the slogan ‘Your Service, Our Responsibility’, until October 9. The initiative focuses on raising staff awareness and enhancing their skills in serving patients by collecting feedback and comments, which serve as motivation for continuous improvement. Hayyak service plays a crucial role within PHCC as it significantly improves the patient experience and satisfaction. It achieves this through in-person visits and engagement with healthcare providers, offering information, answering questions, addressing patient needs, and listening to suggestions to ensure ongoing improvement. In cases of issues or complaints, Hayyak also provides immediate and effective responses to resolve them, reinforcing PHCC’s commitment to continuous improvement and success in delivering essential primary health care. PHCC currently operates 31 health centres across Qatar. In the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, PHCC received a total of 1,261 comments, which were addressed collaboratively by health centres and Hayyak staff. Al Kaaban Health Centre recorded the lowest percentage of complaints among all centres during this quarter.The top three subjects of complaints and comments received during Q3-2025 were: Access, appointment, admission, transfer, and discharge, competence/quality of work, attitude and behaviour.

The Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has officially launched Cycle II of the Certificate in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care.The programme enhances healthcare workforce expertise and reinforces Qatar’s system-wide response to one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges - obesity.Cycle II deepens workforce capacity and multidisciplinary care under HMC’s leadership through QMI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, director of the QMI and division chief of Endocrinology at HMC, stated: “Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that requires integrated solutions. This highlights the need for a coordinated national approach that extends beyond secondary and tertiary centres alone.“By embedding prevention and management into primary care and strengthening collaboration across all levels of care, we are building an integrated model that ensures patients have earlier access to interventions and continuity of support.”QMI, as a key arm of the National Diabetes Committee, is at the forefront of delivering Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2024-2030 Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for ASCVD. Cycle II of the Certificate in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care is a flagship project of this Action Plan, accelerating progress in building a skilled workforce.Dr Turki al-Ahbabi, head of Bariatric Medicine at the QMI, HMC, and deputy chair of the Scientific and Planning Committee, said: “We are redesigning care pathways, optimising referrals, and introducing a monitoring framework that tracks outcomes, referral trends, and patient and physician feedback.“Alongside this, we are strengthening the continuum of care—from lifestyle interventions to bariatric surgery—so patients receive the right treatment at the right time. Our goal is to improve access, reduce delays, and deliver more efficient, patient-centred care.”Dr Mohamed el-Sherif, consultant in Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine at the QMI, HMC, and chair of the Scientific and Planning Committee, said: “Cycle II has been designed to accommodate healthcare professionals from HMC, PHCC, and private sector partners, ensuring a broad and multidisciplinary reach.“Over seven months, participants will complete a CPD-accredited curriculum worth 42 Category 1 and 2, Category 3 credit hours, combining workshops at Al Sadd Health Centre, online modules accredited by the World Obesity Federation, and supervised clinical rotations at QMI’s Centres of Excellence.”The curriculum is delivered by more than 50 expert faculty across endocrinology, obesity and bariatric medicine, bariatric surgery, nutrition, and dietetics - equipping participants with practical skills they can apply directly in patient care. The programme is supported through educational grants from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and will conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2026.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has opened the Geriatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinic at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. This pioneering initiative aims to provide advanced and comprehensive care for the elderly, support their independence, and enhance their quality of life.The new clinic offers specialised treatment programmes designed to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance.These programmes directly help to relieve chronic pain, reduce the risk of falls, and enable the elderly to carry out their daily activities with greater confidence, safety, and independence.Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Long-term care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics at HMC, Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, said: “The opening of this clinic represents a valuable addition to Qatar’s healthcare system and an important step in supporting the elderly in the country. Through our advanced rehabilitation and treatment programmes, we help them maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve their quality of life. The launch of this clinic also aligns with the goals of the Qatar National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritises healthy ageing and integrated care, ensuring preventive, sustainable, and patient-centred services”.For her part, Assistant Executive Director for Clinical Services, Physiotherapy, Noora al-Madahka, emphasised the pivotal role of physiotherapists, noting that they are a cornerstone in supporting patients by providing knowledge and practical solutions that help the elderly stay active and continue to play an effective role in the community.She added: “The clinic provides an integrated treatment system that begins with accurate diagnosis and culminates in empowering the patient. Its key services include conducting a comprehensive and precise assessment of each individual case, where specialists focus on identifying the root causes of pain or impaired mobility, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan”.Based on the assessment results, individualised treatment plans are developed, including specialised exercise programmes to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility. The services also focus on advanced balance training, specifically designed to reduce the risk of falls and boost the patient’s confidence in mobility. To manage chronic pain, manual and advanced therapeutic techniques are applied to alleviate symptoms and significantly enhance patients’ quality of life. The services also include comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for patients recovering from injuries or surgical procedures, such as fractures and joint surgeries, ensuring a safe and effective restoration of full functional ability.Health education is also a key component of the services offered by the new clinic. Patients and their families are provided with guidance and information to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and help prevent future injuries.

His Excellency Chairperson of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani met on Monday with the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar, Walid Fahmy Al Faqi. The two sides discussed media relations between the two countries and explored ways to support and develop them.

The home healthcare services by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is continuing its impressive service while providing multiple services across Qatar.Dr Durriya Mubarak al-Qahtani, director of Integrated Care and Continuity Care at PHCC, told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the services currently cover 1,490 patients, who receive regular medical assistance from the home healthcare team. The service is provided by an integrated medical team. The team includes a family medicine consultant, a physical therapist, a nutritionist and nursing staff.“The service is one of the pioneering services PHCC has provided since 2014. This is in line with the National Health Strategy,” she said noting that it is witnessing significant development with a growing demand due to the increasing proportion of elderly people.The home health care service, according to her, plays a significant role in promoting a healthy lifestyle for elderly people at home and is currently available in 24 health centres across Qatar. The target group of this service is citizens and residents of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries aged 50 or older as well as home-bound patients who are unable to go to health centres due to their medical condition to obtain some of the health services that can be provided at home due to their chronic diseases.The PHCC official said a plan is currently being discussed to expand the scope of the service to include younger age groups.“The service was previously directed at patients aged 60 and older and then the needs of patients were met to include those aged 50 and older. Now, there is a move to further reduce this age to include younger age groups who suffer from chronic diseases that prevent them from easily accessing health centres,” she said.The physiotherapy services are provided by qualified and experienced physiotherapists as part of home care services. Age-related conditions are assessed and a treatment plan is developed according to each patient’s individual needs.The home care physiotherapy services aim to improve and maintain movement and physical activity through muscle strengthening exercises, deep breathing exercises, balance exercises and stretching exercises. They also focus on promoting independence through fall prevention guidelines and providing patients with simple tools to assist with physiotherapy. “The patients and their families are provided with brochures related to their health condition as well as electronic booklets that they can review on their mobile phones. Developing an appropriate treatment plan at home,” she said.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced the opening of an urgent care clinic for adults and children at Al Wajba Health Center, starting Sunday, as part of its ongoing expansion plans for urgent care services to meet community needs.PHCC explained that with the inauguration of the new center, the total number of urgent care centers rises to 13, all providing services around the clock.These centers include adult urgent care clinics in Al Ruwais, Umm Salal, Maither, Al Meshaf, Al Sadd, Gharafa Al Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Bakr Al Siddiq, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Kaaban, Al Karaana, Leabaib, and Al Wajba. Pediatric urgent care services are offered at seven centers: Al Ruwais, Umm Salal, Maither, Al Meshaf, Al Sadd, Leabaib, and Al Wajba. These centers provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for non-emergency, non-life-threatening cases.The corporation emphasised that all adult and pediatric urgent care clinics are available to patients in need of urgent care, regardless of the health center in which they are registered. PHCC affirmed that it will continue its efforts to expand and develop urgent care services throughout the year to meet community needs and enhance the quality of care provided.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the Primary Health Care Corp (PHCC) has launched the Family Medicine Certificate Programme, which aims to prepare a new generation of general practitioners specialising in family medicine, qualified to provide comprehensive community healthcare in any public or private healthcare facility in Qatar.The programme launched on September 1, welcoming its first cohort of 15 medical school graduates, children of residents. It will continue for one full-time year.The programme focuses on building a solid scientific and practical foundation through intensive clinical training, evidence-based practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration across health centers.Executive Director of the Clinical Affairs Directorate at PHCC Dr. Hanan al-Mujalli said the new programme reflects Qatar's strategic direction toward strengthening primary care, a long-term investment in community health.She pointed out that graduates of this programme will contribute to early diagnosis and prevention of diseases, thus promoting health in the community.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has reinforced its commitment to patient safety by implementing comprehensive measures to reduce the risk of sepsis across all its hospitals.Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s severe response to infection, remains a leading cause of preventable harm worldwide. HMC is working to change that through system-wide initiatives focused on prevention, early detection, rapid treatment, and continuous improvement.Dr Khalid Mohammed al-Jalham, chief medical officer, highlighted HMC’s structured sepsis programme: “At HMC, we have established sepsis champions in every unit, embedded the internationally recognised Sepsis-6 bundle into clinical workflows, and deployed enhanced electronic alerts. We also monitor performance through unit-level dashboards and provide interprofessional training at the Hamad International Training Centre. These steps ensure faster recognition and treatment, improving outcomes for our patients.”As part of this structured programme, HMC also participates annually in World Sepsis Day on September 13 and contributes to the Qatar National Sepsis Symposium, which brings together experts from across the health system to share knowledge and best practicesHMC's chief nursing officer Mariam Nooh al-Mutawa emphasised the role of frontline nurses: “Our nurses are often the first to identify sepsis symptoms. Through dedicated training and strict compliance with the Sepsis-6 bundle, nurses play a vital role in preventing deterioration and safeguarding patients. Evidence shows that nurse-led interventions directly improve survival and our nursing teams are leading this effort across all hospitals.”Symptoms of sepsis can include sudden changes in mental status, fast and shallow breathing, unexplained sweating, feeling lightheaded, and shivering. These warning signs may indicate the body’s severe response to infection. Sepsis can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly, so seeking medical care quickly is essential if symptoms are detected.Sepsis risk can be reduced by practising good hygiene such as regular handwashing, keeping wounds clean and covered, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, and managing chronic conditions with routine care.Dr Abdulsalam Saif, HMC sepsis lead, noted: “Automated data collection, electronic medical record order sets, and stronger documentation have improved the consistency of care. By focusing on high-risk groups and embedding sepsis champions across all facilities, we are making hospitals safer for every patient. HMC’s membership in the Worldwide Sepsis Alliance ensures our programs are aligned with global best practices, reinforcing our position at the forefront of the fight against sepsis.”Through prevention protocols, early recognition systems, frontline nursing leadership, public awareness initiatives, research and quality improvement, HMC is ensuring that patients in Qatar receive the safest and most effective management of sepsis.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), through its World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia, continues to expand specialist services for the diagnosis, treatment and support of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Qatar.As a local and regional leader in dementia care, HMC is highlighting its services during World Alzheimer’s Month, marked globally this September under the theme ‘Ask About Dementia, Ask About Alzheimer’s’.Since the opening of Qatar’s first Geriatric Memory Clinic in 2012 at Rumailah Hospital, HMC has significantly expanded its dementia services to include additional clinics at Al Khor Hospital and Primary Health Care Corporation health centres in Al Sadd, Al Wajbah, Lebaib and Rawdat Al Khail.“All our Geriatric Memory Clinics are staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprising of geriatricians, specialist dementia physicians, psychologists, dementia care co-ordinators, specialist memory clinic nurses, occupational therapists, as well as neurologists, neuropsychologists and other allied healthcare professionals. We provide a truly comprehensive service and remain committed to improving dementia care in Qatar,” says Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, HMC’s deputy chief medical officer, Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics.At the Geriatric Memory Clinics, patients 60 years and above with memory concerns are assessed using the latest diagnostic tools, including family consultations, physical examinations, blood tests, ECGs and brain scans. For those diagnosed with dementia, HMC provides post-diagnostic support to both patients and their families. Patients without dementia are referred to preventive services at the Specialised Geriatric Wellness Clinics, focusing on lifestyle changes to reduce risk.Services at the clinic also include input from the Geriatric Neuroscience Multidisciplinary Team for advice on complex conditions as well as the Memory Outreach home service that is offered to patients who are not able to make it to the clinic.A key service provided by HMC is the National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services Helpline – RAHA. Since its establishment in 2020, RAHA (4026 2222) has offered confidential and direct access to professional advice on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to thousands of people.“The RAHA helpline is staffed by a skilled team with multilingual skills who provide support to callers. It is the only service of its kind in Qatar and through the helpline, we have seen an increasing number of families accessing dementia care support at our Geriatric Memory Clinic,” says Dr al-Hamad.Throughout September, HMC has planned a range of activities to promote active dialogue about dementia and educate the public about the condition. These include an information booth at Grand Mall in Asian Town on September 26, from 1pm to 10pm, where members of HMC’s geriatrics care team, speaking both Arabic and English, will be available to answer public questions about the symptoms and care of Alzheimer’s patients.The programme also features school competitions and a Leaders and Healthcare symposium where hospital leads and healthcare experts in Qatar will come together to learn about the latest developments in dementia treatment and management. This year, HMC will once again collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to host dementia awareness sessions for first responders including police and traffic department personnel.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has launched an awareness campaign titled ‘Staying Hydrated, Staying Healthy’ to raise awareness about the importance of fluid intake and maintaining body hydration, particularly during the summer and while engaging in physical activity.A campaign event at Rawdat Al Khail Health Centre, under the leadership of Dr Sarah Rashid Musa, community medicine consultant and wellness in-charge, highlighted that men need approximately 3.7 litres (about 13 cups) of fluids daily, while women need around 2.7 litres (about 10 cups).The campaign emphasised that water sources are not limited to direct drinking but can also be obtained from fluid-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Special attention was given to the role of hydration in patients practising different types of physical activities, whether aerobic or resistance training.Participants were reminded that continuous hydration before, during, and after exercise is essential for maintaining physical performance and preventing dehydration and fatigue. The campaign also emphasised that drinking water contributes to calorie burning, making it a key component in supporting weight management programs and improving fitness.As part of the campaign activities, a quick survey was conducted with participating patients to assess their daily water intake in cups or litres. The results were then discussed with them, along with simplified scientific recommendations tailored to their needs. At the end of their visit, patients were encouraged to spread these health messages among their families and friends to expand awareness and promote water intake as a daily habit.The campaign further highlighted the multiple benefits of drinking water: regulating body temperature, supporting kidney and digestive function, eliminating toxins, improving focus and mental activity, enhancing heart and circulatory health, boosting sports performance, replenishing fluids lost through sweating, and maintaining healthy skin and internal organ function.Dr Musa emphasised that drinking water is not just a daily habit but a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. She stressed that meeting daily fluid requirements represents a fundamental preventive measure to protect overall health and prevent dehydration-related complications.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced the opening of registration for the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) Qatar 2025, which will be held from November 27 to 29 under the patronage of HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud.The conference is expected to attract around 1,000 participants, including distinguished speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders from around the world, reflecting its position as one of the leading specialised medical events in the region.This year’s conference enjoys diamond sponsorship from Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Armed Forces, Ooredoo, and QNB, alongside the participation of the Ministry of Public Health as an official partner. This highlights the commitment of various national entities to supporting the health sector and strengthening its vital role in serving the community.Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, managing director of PHCC and chair of Conference Organising Committee, affirmed that the 6th IPHCC represents a leading scientific and professional platform that enables the exchange of expertise and knowledge and promotes collaboration between healthcare and academic institutions, contributing to the development of primary healthcare systems in Qatar and globally.She invited all physicians, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and stakeholders from inside and outside Qatar to actively participate in this distinguished medical event, benefit from its scientific programmes and specialised workshops, and take the opportunity to present scientific research abstracts.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stressed that with the new academic year, family preparations should not be limited to books and school uniforms, but must also include attention to children’s oral health.Dr Najat Alyafei, manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention, PHCC noted that oral health has a direct impact on a child’s comfort and academic performance, pointing out that even minor issues such as tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to school absences and negatively affect learning outcomes.She added that the 'Asnani' School Oral Health Programme serves as a national initiative to safeguard the oral health of children in government schools and has been designed to meet the needs of different age groups through two main components. The first is dedicated to kindergarten students, who, according to scheduled plans, are taken to health centres equipped with specialised dental care rooms. During these visits, children engage in interactive activities designed to raise awareness and teach proper oral care habits in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. They then undergo dental check-ups in designated clinics, where fluoride is applied as a preventive measure against tooth decay.The second component targets primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, delivering age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and applying fluoride treatments. Dr Alyafei emphasised that the implementation of these activities requires parental consent, obtained through forms distributed to students in their schools.She further explained that the role of the Asnani Programme is not limited to student check-ups. The dental teams also deliver the ‘Oral Health Ambassadors’ lecture to school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, aiming to spread awareness and promote healthy practices within the school community. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that adolescents in preparatory and secondary schools continue to maintain regular oral hygiene, visit dental clinics routinely, and avoid delays in seeking treatment. Dr Alyafei noted with concern that programme teams encountered a significant number of students who had never used a toothbrush, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen awareness efforts from an early age.She concluded by reaffirming that early attention to oral health ensures that children enjoy healthy smiles and consistent school attendance, while giving them greater confidence to begin the academic year fully prepared and focused. She called on parents to ensure their children participate in the Asnani Programme by signing the consent forms.