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The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has recently organised a series of training workshops for healthcare staff in both government and private schools, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).The aim is to develop skills in the early detection of visual problems by implementing a school-based eye screening programme.The workshops saw extensive participation from government, private, and community schools across Qatar.Participants were trained in methods for assessing visual acuity, recognising indicators of vision disorders, and responding to eye injuries, in addition to referring cases requiring further care to health centres and hospitals.Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department at MoPH Sheikh Dr Mohamed Hamad al-Thani, emphasised that vision screening in the early years of life is a key foundation for promoting healthy visual development in children and supports the early identification and treatment of visual problems. He noted that studies have confirmed children's reliance on their sense of sight for learning during their formative years.He also highlighted the importance of strengthening co-operation and coordination between the MoPH, the MoEHE, the PHCC, HMC, and the private health sector, all of which contribute to the success of the school eye screening programme.He praised the central and active role played by the school health framework in prevention and treatment, through services that include health education and medical screening, and which aim to provide a safe and healthy school environment.PHCC Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Hala al-Qadi explained that early detection of vision problems in children is an essential step in preventing visual impairment. Timely intervention offers effective treatment opportunities and prevents the progression of cases to more complex stages.She added that many conditions, such as short-sightedness, amblyopia, and strabismus, can be successfully treated if identified early, positively impacting public health, academic performance, and the psychological and social development of the child.These efforts reaffirm the crucial role of the family in maintaining their children's ocular health by adopting healthy lifestyles, limiting screen time, and encouraging children to engage in physical activity and outdoor pursuits for overall bodily health and good vision.

The Primary Health Care Corp (PHCC), through its "Asnani" School Oral Health Programme, successfully conducted medical screening for over 31,000 students across 152 schools, including 55 kindergartens and 97 primary schools, during the 2024-2025 academic year as part of a campaign for dental screening, education, and preventive treatment.Manager of the Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department at PHCC, Dr Najat Alyafei, said the results revealed very important figures, showing that tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems among children.The data showed that 68% of kindergarten children had caries in their baby teeth, while the rate rose to 79% among primary school students. The percentage of decay in permanent teeth among primary students reached 35%.The results also showed that 62% of kindergarten children had untreated caries, in addition to 29% of primary students having untreated decay in their permanent teeth.The screening further indicated that the average number of affected baby teeth among kindergarten children was about four teeth-three untreated, one filled, and very few missing.As for permanent teeth among primary students, the average was less than one affected tooth per child, which the World Health Organisation classifies as a low level of decay, indicating gradual improvement in oral health as children grow older.Dr Alyafei noted that caries rates increase significantly with grade level - from 8% in first grade to 59% in sixth grade - reflecting the accumulation of unhealthy dietary habits and delayed follow-ups at home or between annual school screenings.She called on parents and students to engage positively with the "Asnani School Programme", emphasising that it is more than an annual check-up; it is an investment in protecting children's teeth and therefore their overall health.

The Department of Wellness Programmes at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has organised a tobacco cessation training workshop with 76 attendees, including physicians, pharmacists, health and wellness educators.The exercise, in collaboration with the Department of Workforce Training and Development, aimed to equip healthcare providers with the latest knowledge and practical skills to address emerging patterns of tobacco use, including electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.The sessions covered key topics such as pharmacological treatment for tobacco addiction, motivational interviewing, psychological considerations, weight management after quitting, and modern techniques like laser therapy.“The PHCC places great importance on prevention and health promotion,” said Wellness Programmes director Dr Wadha al-Baker.“In recent years, we have observed changes in tobacco use patterns and the emergence of new products such as electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products,” said Dr Hissa al-Muraikhi, the head of the Wellness for Clinical Interventions. “This requires us, as healthcare professionals, to continuously update our knowledge.”The workshop featured experts from the PHCC, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Qatar University, reflecting effective institutional collaboration in tobacco control.It included lectures, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions moderated by Dr Mohamed Osman Bala, head of the Wellness Centre at Al Ruwais Health Centre and a member of the scientific organising committee.

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, as part of the efforts to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and the healthcare sector in Qatar. The agreement aims to establish a strategic framework for collaboration in scientific research, training, capacity building, and support for continuing education programs, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy 2024-2030. In a statement, DI said the MoU seeks to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two parties through specialized training courses, hosting DI students in practical training programs within PHCC, and developing joint research projects that contribute to producing impactful scientific publications addressing healthcare issues at the national and regional levels. It also provides for the possibility of recruiting outstanding DI graduates to work at PHCC and outlines plans for joint participation in relevant national and international conferences and forums, DI added. The MoU was signed by Executive Director of the PHCC's Workforce Training and Development, Laila Al Jasmi, and Dean of the School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy at DI, Dr. Ayhab Saad, in the presence of representatives from both institutions. Commenting on the signing, Dr. Ayhab Saad said: "The signing of this memorandum represents a strategic step towards building strong bridges of collaboration between higher education and the healthcare sector in Qatar. At the DI, we believe that investment in scientific research is an investment in the health and well-being of society. This partnership reflects our commitment to graduating cadres capable of making a real impact and enhancing the quality of healthcare and education in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 For her part, Al Jasmi emphasized that the agreement reflects PHCC's commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its medical and administrative staff through the latest training methods. This, she noted, will help reduce medical errors, improve patient experiences, and accelerate the delivery of services. She added that the five-year renewable MoU is built on five main pillars of cooperation, the first of which is professional training and development. This includes short- and long-term training programs in areas such as strategic leadership, performance indicators, human capital management, and specialized consultancy, Al Jasmi added. She indicated that the agreement also provides PHCC employees with the opportunity to enroll in postgraduate programs (master's and PhD) offered by the DI, thereby contributing to the raising of the level of academic qualifications of its workforce.

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.

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.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) offers a specialised clinic for preconception health of spouses to assess their overall health and provide necessary medical advice for a healthier and safer pregnancy. Dr Rand Abood, family medicine specialist at Omar Bin Khattab Health Centre, emphasises that the importance of this clinic lies in assessing the overall health of spouses and identifying any issues that could affect pregnancy.It helps minimise potential risks to both the mother and the foetus through early diagnosis of diseases and disorders at least three months prior to planning pregnancy. The clinic also contributes to enhancing the chances of conceiving by offering lifestyle and nutrition advice. The clinic specifically targets women under the age of 50.The services include evaluating the medical history and previous operations, conducting essential tests to detect chronic or genetic diseases that could be passed to children and providing nutrition consultations, emphasising the importance of a balanced diet that comprise vegetables, meats, and iodine-rich foods like fish and seafood, as well as prescribing folic acid at least three months before conception to prevent congenital malformations in the foetus.The clinic also treats vitamin deficiencies like Vitamin D or B12, and mineral deficiencies like iron and magnesium. Furthermore, the clinic advises limiting caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day, engage in daily exercise routine of half an hour five times a week, and incorporating Kegel exercises for women to strengthen their pelvic and bladder muscles.Dr Abood adds that the clinic highly recommends quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking, with the option of being referred to a smoking cessation clinic available at most health centres. Spouses are also advised to avoid exposure to pesticides, toxic substances, and mercury-containing products such as certain skin creams, as well as to steer clear of alcohol intake. Additionally, men are warned against utilising saunas to preserve the quality of their sperm.These services also include conducting tests in case of difficulty conceiving within 6 to 12 months of marriage, or when testing for sexually transmitted infections is necessary, along with the referral to recurrent miscarriage clinic if needed. The efficacy of vaccinations that a woman received in childhood are verified and renewed if required, and both spouses are advised to get the annual influenza and HPV vaccines. However, it is crucial to note that spouses should postpone conception for one month following the administration of specific vaccinations.Dr Abood stresses the necessity of a follow-up with the physician three months after the couple’s initial health assessment, with the possibility of referral to the reproduction clinic for women or a urology clinic for men for further tests and fertility treatments.It is recommended to postpone conception for six months after experiencing a miscarriage and to allow a spacing of at least one and a half year between births for women under the age of 35, with shorter intervals recommended as age increases. Additionally, attention is drawn to the importance of dental and gum health prior to conception.Dr Abood asserts that the Preconception Clinic, accessible at health centres for citizens and residents, represents a vital step towards a healthy and safe pregnancy.