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Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) has been recognised internationally for its excellence in advancing person-centred care, with four of its facilities and services honoured during the Planetree Person-Centered Care Global Forum held in Baltimore, US.At the event, the Communicable Disease Center (CDC), Women's Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC), Enaya Specialised Care Centre and Private Nursing Services (PNS) were formally recognised for their recent achievements in achieving Planetree Gold Certification.The CDC received the Gold Certification with Distinction, the highest level awarded by Planetree International, while WWRC, Enaya and PNS each achieved Gold Certification.These achievements reflect HMC's commitment to placing compassion, collaboration and patient and family engagement at the heart of care delivery.The certifications demonstrate how HMC continues to align with international best practices in ensuring that healthcare experiences are not only clinically excellent but also empathetic and inclusive.The Planetree Person-Centred Care Global Forum is one of the world's leading gatherings focused on improving healthcare experiences. The annual event brings together healthcare leaders, clinicians, patient advocates, and policy experts from across the globe to share insights and innovations.This year's forum hosted delegations from more than 30 countries, offering an opportunity for international collaboration and learning.The Planetree certification programme assesses how healthcare organisations engage patients, families, staff and communities in shaping care that is compassionate, respectful and collaborative.These international recognitions mark a significant milestone in HMC's system-wide implementation of person-centered care values and reinforce Qatar's position as a leader in high-quality, patient-focused healthcare.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals Gulf Levant to bring the Clinical Research Advancement Integrated Signature Programme (CRISP) to HMC.The programme is designed to give clinical research professionals access to world-class training, internationally recognised certification, and ongoing professional support.AbbVie, in partnership with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the only non-profit dedicated exclusively to supporting clinical research professionals globally-will offer a structured learning programme for HMC's researchers and healthcare staff. Through this collaboration, participants will benefit from a structured learning pathway and also have the opportunity to earn ACRP certifications.Training will cover areas such as good clinical practice, patient safety, research ethics, protocol design, inspection readiness, and the use of new models.By adopting CRISP, HMC aims to further strengthen the quality and impact of its clinical research, supporting safer, more effective treatments and better outcomes for patients.HMC seeks to build stronger research capacity and ensure its work meets the highest global standards. Ultimately, this will benefit patients and help position Qatar as a leader in medical innovation.CRISP will help set new benchmarks in education, certification, and patient safety-empowering clinical research professionals to advance healthcare outcomes and raise the standards of care at HMC and beyond.

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.

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.

In a significant step to further strengthen Qatar’s position in healthcare innovation, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has officially launched Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) testing. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major advance in genetic diagnostics, enabling patients in Qatar to receive faster, more accurate diagnoses and highly personalised treatment plans tailored to each individual’s genetic profile. This new testing technology will benefit patients with genetic disorders, both adults and children, as well as those with certain types of cancer. Previously, blood samples for these patients had to be sent abroad for testing, a process that often required significant time before results could be obtained. WES is a cutting-edge genetic test that focuses on the exome, the regions of DNA responsible for coding proteins. Since most disease-causing mutations are found in these regions, WES provides powerful insights into unexplained illnesses, inherited conditions, and genetic risks affecting families. To conduct the test, a blood sample is collected, DNA is extracted, and advanced sequencing technology is used to analyse the exome. Sophisticated computer software then interprets the data, highlighting possible genetic causes of disease. Chair of DLMP at HMC, Dr Einas Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, stated: "This initiative underscores our commitment to integrating genomic medicine into patient care. By harnessing advanced sequencing technologies, we aim to provide more precise and timely diagnoses." She added: "This will transform the management of genetic conditions in Qatar and empower physicians to deliver truly personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique genetic profile." "The launch of WES at HMC fulfils a long-held vision to bring genomic medicine into routine clinical care in Qatar. We are no longer dependent on external laboratories; today we can deliver advanced diagnostics right here in-house," she added. Al-Kuwari stressed: "This achievement is not only scientific but a message of hope for families living with genetic conditions. It symbolises Qatar’s determination to stand at the forefront of precision medicine, building a healthcare system that is both world-class and compassionate." "And this is only the beginning. We will continue to advance until every patient in Qatar has access to the most innovative care possible,” added al-Kuwari. Under the leadership of Dr Moza Khalifa al-Kuwari, and supported by a highly skilled team of national specialised laboratory staff, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory within DLMP’s Diagnostic Genomic Division (DGD) spearheads the introduction of WES testing. The process has been validated according to international standards, including those of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). To ensure seamless integration, DLMP has invested in robust data infrastructure, including secure high-capacity servers, advanced computing power, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity, to safeguard sensitive information and enable rapid data analysis. The introduction of this advanced service will also help reduce the need to send patient samples abroad for genetic testing. Established in 2001, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory is among the region’s most advanced facilities, performing approximately 30,000 genetic tests annually and supporting national screening programmes, including premarital and newborn screening. Accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) since 2014, the laboratory continues to uphold the highest international standards. With the introduction of WES, HMC consolidates its leadership in genomic medicine, delivering cutting-edge care for patients while strengthening Qatar’s healthcare infrastructure.