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Qatar ranked first in the Arab world and 18th globally in health services, according to the Numbeo Index — an international ranking based on a range of criteria, including the quality of healthcare, ease of access to services, efficiency of infrastructure, and levels of beneficiary satisfaction.Throughout 2025, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has continued to play a pivotal role as the body responsible for formulating national health policies, regulating the health sector, and ensuring the integration of its services in a manner that achieves the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and sustainability.**media[397289]**According to MoPH data, there are around 58,000 workers in the public and private sectors, representing various medical, nursing, technical, and administrative specialties. The number of available hospital beds in health facilities stands at 5,485, which reflects the expansion of the health sector’s capacity to keep pace with population growth, urban expansion, and the increasing demand for health services.Further, 2025 has seen a qualitative leap in the progress of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), which continued to strengthen its position as the main provider of specialised and secondary healthcare in the country and as one of the leading regional models in quality performance and clinical excellence.**media[397290]**HMC achievements ranged from strategic partnerships and service development to the introduction of advanced technologies and the realisation of unprecedented medical achievements at the national level. As part of efforts to improve access to health services and reduce waiting times, HMC signed partnership agreements with a number of private hospitals, with the aim of referring Qatari citizens who experience long waiting periods in certain specialties to receive timely care.Similarly, HMC opened a musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic for seniors at Qatar Rehabilitation Centre, reflecting its commitment to developing specialised health care services that support the independence of older adults and enhance their quality of life.The new clinic aims to provide advanced and comprehensive care for seniors through specialised therapeutic programmes that help improve muscle strength, increase mobility, and enhance balance.**media[397291]**In October 2025, HMC strengthened its regional and international leadership in the development of healthcare systems by organising the Middle East Forum on Person-Centred Care. The forum served as a pivotal platform for the exchange of global expertise and for highlighting the latest trends in delivering integrated, sustainable, and human-centered health services.Qatar’s National Immunisation Programme has continued to achieve coverage rates exceeding 95% for most essential childhood vaccines, as the outcome of the success of preventive policies, the effectiveness of community awareness campaigns, and society’s commitment to the importance of immunisation as the first line of defence against infectious diseases.**media[397292]**Besides, MoPH has developed a comprehensive five-year national action plan during 2025 aimed at strengthening monitoring and surveillance activities for various additives across all types of locally produced and imported foods. As such, the ministry obtained renewed international accreditation from the American Accreditation Body for food inspection and sampling in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17020, which enhances public confidence in the food control system.On the digital transformation efforts, the launch of the LBAIH application has made a qualitative shift in managing the patient experience. The app enables patients to view their medical appointments, reschedule or cancel them, and access their health records, test results, and prescriptions, in addition to receiving alerts and reminders. 

A Doha-based financial technology solutions provider has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reassess their approach to investors and adopt adaptability as a key survival strategy in today’s fintech-driven economy.Daniel Sansano, the CEO of Daniel Sansano Capitals Inc, noted that many SMEs in the region are facing different challenges due to their dependence on traditional bank loans. He explained that these loans frequently come with high interest rates that can pose many challenges to the financial health and growth potential of these businesses.“As a result, many SMEs find themselves in a difficult position, struggling to access affordable financing options that would enable them to invest in expansion, innovate their products or services, and ultimately enhance their competitiveness in the market,” Sansano addressed a previously held panel discussion.According to Sansano, his firm introduced a simplified funding model that requires only a pitch and identification, thus eliminating the paperwork that usually puts off entrepreneurs. “No matter how great your idea is, if it lacks funds, then that is a problem,” he pointed out.But Sansano was also quick to add that “funding alone is not enough.” He highlighted common misconceptions among SMEs seeking investment, warning against treating investors as charity organisations.He said, “You don’t ask for a huge sum of money and offer only a little equity. When entrepreneurs or startups ask for capital, they are also asking us to take the risk with them.” Sansano urged founders to balance equity offers with realistic funding requests and to be transparent about how capital will be used.“Education and mentorship,” he pointed out, “are critical gaps in the ecosystem.” He further said, “It’s not just about supporting them through money or incubation; we have to go further with mentorship and updating training in finance, compliance, and operations. Fintech is progressive and requires continuous learning.”Sansano also underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping fintech services, saying his company operates with fewer human employees and relies heavily on AI for customer service and support.“You cannot have fintech without innovation, and AI is innovation,” stated Sansano, who positioned automation as a key element to scaling SME solutions.On accessing international markets, Sansano also pointed to fintech tools that could forecast profitability, identify target markets, and track product demand in other countries. According to Sansano, “such forecasting capabilities are essential for SMEs seeking to scale globally.”“Adaptability is the key to survival,” explained Sansano, who disagreed with the idea that SMEs should cling to traditional practices. “Doing so risks stagnation. Tradition will only pull you down. Adaptability is a must for SMEs to survive in this ecosystem,” he continued to emphasise. 

Qatar Charity (QC) has delivered a significant consignment of medical equipment to Chad’s Ministry of Public Health, reinforcing efforts to improve healthcare and social services for the country’s most vulnerable communities.The aid, funded by generous donors in Qatar, includes 1,200 blood pressure monitors and 600 wheelchairs. The handover ceremony took place at the Pharmaceutical Procurement Centre (Centrale Pharmaceutique d’Achat) in N’Djamena, attended by Dr Abdelmajid Abdelrahim, Minister of Public Health; Zara Mahamat Issa, Minister of Social Welfare; and Lt Gen Issakha Maloua Djamous, Minister of National Defence and Veterans, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Qatar and QC’s Chad office.The initiative underscores QC’s commitment to strengthening Chad’s health institutions, fostering effective partnerships that drive human development, improve service quality, and support national efforts to build a modern, inclusive healthcare system for all. Abdelrahim expressed deep appreciation to QC for its role in supporting the health sector and advancing humanitarian development. He noted that the medical equipment addresses urgent needs across several health and social institutions. He also called the initiative a “valuable and symbolic step” that strengthens the health system and improves services nationwide.Abdoulhamid Mohamed, country director of QC’s Chad office, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Ministry of Public Health to facilitate the organisation’s humanitarian and development efforts. 

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has recently organised a training workshop for around 90 health service providers from the Primary Health Care Corporation working in government schools, to strengthen their readiness to manage asthma cases within the school environment and equip them with the skills required to apply internationally recognised best health practices.MOPH's Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed the importance of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme in enhancing student health and ensuring a safe educational environment for students with asthma.He pointed out that the integration of efforts between the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation constitutes a foundation for strengthening the quality of healthcare services provided in schools.He noted that MOPH has achieved, over recent years, remarkable national accomplishments in raising awareness of asthma through large-scale activities organised on World Asthma Day, including media campaigns targeting the public, awareness workshops for the school community, and training programmes for school health staff.These efforts contribute to promoting an accurate understanding of asthma, enabling students, their families and teachers to manage the condition safely and effectively, and reducing asthma attacks within the school environment, positively reflecting on students’ health and academic progress.The Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department also praised the major role of the Primary Health Care Corporation in implementing the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme by providing school health staff, offering continuous training, following up students with asthma, and connecting them to essential health services.Hamad Medical Corporation also participates in the programme through its clinical expertise and advanced specialities by developing the national guidelines for asthma management, providing specialised technical training to healthcare personnel, supporting rapid intervention mechanisms for emergency cases, and enhancing the preparedness of the health system to deal with asthma complications.In her remarks during the workshop, Supervisor of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme, Dr. Maya Al Shaiba stated that implementing the programme across all government schools reflects Qatar’s commitment to providing a supportive and safe school environment for students with asthma. She also praised the efforts of school health staff and their significant role in improving the quality of services provided to students.The "Asthma-Friendly Schools" Programme is one of the national initiatives aimed at reducing absenteeism among students with asthma, strengthening health preparedness within schools, supporting students in managing their health condition, raising health awareness among students and their families, and reinforcing the partnership between families, schools, and the health sector. 

Strong partnerships and concrete collaborations need to be forged to develop resilient, self-reliant health systems as well as affordable and good quality healthcare products, a top official of the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted Saturday at the ongoing Doha Forum held at Sheraton Doha.“There are major opportunities, and I think we just need to start pushing for them, talking about them, and sharing them,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, the director of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.“Trust in the money flows and transactions becomes a bottleneck if it is not done well,” she said. “But if it works well, then it can do wonders for many countries. And I think it is something that we need to start thinking about.”Dr Balkhy was discussing the issue of the countries in the Global South facing sharp aid cuts that threaten hard-won health gains at the session on “Navigating Disruptions to Global Health Financing: Strategic Partnerships to Reclaim Country Ownership”.The panel explored how the South-South and Gulf-engaged collaborations can strengthen primary healthcare, align external support with national priorities, and accelerate the shift toward resilient, self-reliant health systems.The discussion focused on how these countries can safeguard ownership of their health agendas amid shrinking aid flows and what models of co-operation can make external financing more catalytic.The session highlighted how private and philanthropic partners sustain service delivery and innovation.It also aimed to identify pathways for building equitable and country-owned health systems.Dr Balkhy said that the WHO tries to strengthen knowledge sharing through something called individual collaborating centres.“In these individual collaborating centres, we create the networks that can bring the expertise from the collaborating centres to the ministry of health to ensure that they can establish what is needed of governance and guidelines, training and practices, and even support some kind of knowledge-based services,” she explained. “We do that through those individual collaborating centres.”“We want to look (at) what are we doing for the next five, ten or 20 years of time... that's why we put so much effort in establishing the national regulatory authorities, because they will be the guardians of local production,” Dr Balkhy continued.“Now, once the local production is up and mature, and the regulatory authority in that specific country is up and mature, they will have the ability to share their products, not only internally, but externally with other countries,” she stated.The regional director noted that the WHO plays a crucial role regarding the quality of healthcare provision.“First of all, we are doing a lot of work at strengthening more products, medical equipment, medical devices, anything used as tools with the patient,” she said. “They have to be of good quality and affordable. And the national regulatory authorities can do that. It is the WHO that certifies the maturity level of the regulatory authorities.”Other panelists at the session moderated by Al Jazeera presenter Folly Bah Thibault were Somalia Health Minister Dr Ali Hajji Adam and Dangote Foundation chief executive Zouera Youssoufou. 

Ooredoo has announced WHOOP as the Official Wearable Partner for the 2026 and 2027 Doha Marathon by Ooredoo.The agreement was signed by Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, vice-chairman of the Doha Marathon Organising Committee, and Stephan Muller, director of WHOOP – GCC.The two-year collaboration brings together Ooredoo’s commitment to community health, fitness, and sports innovation through world-class technology. As the Official Wearable Partner, WHOOP will play a central role in enhancing athlete performance, training insights, and overall race experience for participants of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo.Al-Kuwari said, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in how we support our running community. WHOOP has advanced performance insights, from recovery to sleep data to real-time strain and live tracking, and will provide participants, from first-time runners to elite athletes, with a deeper understanding of their bodies throughout the marathon journey.”Muller said, “WHOOP empowers members of all levels to better understand their bodies and unlock deeper insights into recovery, sleep, and strain.” 

The Ministry of Public Health carried out a wide-scale inspection campaign covering a number of restaurants, cafeterias, and sites designated by companies to provide food to workers at their residential locations in the Industrial Area. The objective was to ensure compliance with health standards and requirements during food handling, and to strengthen food safety and protect consumer health in the State of Qatar.During the campaign, inspections were carried out at 479 establishments, including restaurants and cafeterias, in addition to 191 sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food in worker accommodations for about 95,000 workers in the Industrial Area. Each food establishment and site underwent at least three inspection visits to monitor the implementation of corrective measures and to raise the level of compliance.A total of 1,813 food samples were collected (1,239 samples from restaurants and cafeterias and 573 samples from worker housing sites). They were analyzed at the Ministry of Public Health’s food safety laboratories. The results showed that all samples met health requirements.The total number of visits carried out by inspectors from the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health during the four-month campaign exceeded 1,650 inspection visits to cafeterias and restaurants. The regulatory efforts resulted in a notable improvement in performance, as more than 82 percent of these establishments advanced by at least one grade in the classification system compared to their initial inspection visit.Statistics from the electronic food safety system Wathiq also showed that 44 percent of the sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food to workers at their accommodations received an Excellent rating, within an overall ratio of 85 percent of sites rated Average and above, compared to the initial inspection visit for these sites.The Ministry of Public Health continues working to complete coverage of the remaining worker accommodations, restaurants, and cafeterias, increase inspection visits, and organize training workshops for food handlers to raise awareness of health requirements and general hygiene standards.The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health continues to implement the food establishment classification program as part of the ministry’s strategy to protect public health. This is achieved through continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities and food establishment owners, which is a fundamental pillar in establishing an advanced and sustainable food system that meets the highest standards of food safety.

The sixth International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) started Thursday in the presence of His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud at the Ritz Carlton Doha exploring the latest advancements and innovations in primary health care. A large number of dignitaries and officials as well as international experts and speakers took part in the opening session of the conference. The three day conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) with the theme ‘Inspiring Tomorrow; The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care’ is exploring many of the current topics and the advancements of technology in primary health care sector. About 1,000 experts, speakers, doctors, speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders from across the globe are sharing their knowledge and best practices in primary health care over the course of the conference. Speaking at the opening session, Dr Mariam Abdul Malik, managing director of the PHCC said that the conference is an embodiment of Qatar’s firm commitment to developing the health sector. “Primary health care in Qatar has become an advanced model at the regional and international levels, thanks to the strategic investment in human health and the building of an integrated system that provides high-quality preventive, curative and rehabilitative services in a safe and competitive environment.” she explained. Dr Abdul Malik highlighted that everyone in Qatar enjoys an advanced health system and what has been achieved in terms of healthcare services is clearly reflected in the satisfaction of community members and visitors to health centres, with visitors' satisfaction level reaching above 80% in the recent surveys. “This conference is not just a scientific event, but a platform that stimulates creativity, inspires health work teams to share knowledge and experiences, and explore innovative solutions that contribute to establishing a more prepared, flexible and sustainable health system for a healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for the nation and society,” she added. Speaking at the opening session, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health highlighted the huge advancements made by Qatar in healthcare and praised the country for its vision. He said: “ Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” After the opening session, the Minister of Public Health along with other dignitaries toured the exhibition accompanying the conference. A lot of healthcare professionals, including local and international companies, providers of medical services, supplies and devices, are participating in the exhibition to showcase their latest innovations in the healthcare sector, along with various educational and technological entities. The conference showcases a wide range of advanced topics in primary healthcare through panel discussions and workshops led by a select group of international speakers and experts. It will also provide researchers with an opportunity to present their research and the findings of recent studies that can be applied to improving primary healthcare services both within Qatar and internationally. 

Qatar is a symbol of ambition, innovation and human progress, noted, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) highlighting the advancements made by the country in healthcare. “Qatar doesn’t just plan, it builds, transforming vision into verifiable reality. This nation is a model for the world, demonstrating what is possible when visionary leadership aligns with unwavering purpose,” said, Lord Darzi at the opening session of the sixth International Primary Health Care Conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation. He said that health systems globally are under extraordinary pressure as life expectancy has improved and with it a surge in chronic disease. “WHO estimates a global health workforce shortfall of over 11mn professionals by 2030. These challenges are universal, but so are the opportunities. Advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, and digital health have the power to shift care from hospital corridors to our homes and communities,” explained Lord Darzi. He pointed out that the question is no longer whether we can transform, but how quickly. “Qatar, with its visionary leadership and agility, is poised to lead in that way. The case for change is urgent. The old model of reactive care is clinically, economically, and morally unsustainable,” he remarked. According to him, primary care must evolve from being the front door of the health system to becoming its central nervous system. He emphasised: “Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” “For Qatar, this shift aligns perfectly with the National Health Strategy and Vision 2030. PHCC is already showing the world how it can be done. Building on this vision, we can identify seven innovation pathways that empower this foundation,” he continued. Lord Darzi noted the seven pathways are: Genetic intelligence; the digital health ecosystem; personalised medicine; continuous health monitoring; population genomics; intelligent healthcare systems and precision robotics. “This is an extension of the care continuum, coordinated by primary care teams to ensure seamless preparation and faster data-driven recovery at home. These innovations stand on the bedrock established already by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,” he highlighted. “Our collective duty now is to translate these powerful assets, which Qatar has invested in over a decade and more, into tangible health value for all,” added Lord Darzi. 

His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud inaugurated Thursday the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC), organized by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) over three days, with wide participation estimated at about one thousand experts, doctors and specialists from several countries, making it one of the most prominent scientific gatherings in the region, and an important platform for the exchange of experiences and knowledge.The conference will showcase a wide range of advanced topics in primary healthcare through panel discussions and workshops led by a select group of international speakers and experts. It will also provide researchers with an opportunity to present their research and the findings of recent studies that can be applied to improving primary healthcare services both within Qatar and internationally.On the sidelines of the conference, which targets doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals, medical students and those interested in developing their scientific and practical skills, a specialized exhibition will be held showcasing the latest medical innovations and health technologies offered by local and international institutions.In her opening remarks, Managing Director of the PHCC Dr. Mariam Abdul Malik affirmed that holding the IPHCC 2025 under the theme "Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care," embodies Qatar's firm commitment to developing the health sector, based on a national vision that places human beings at the heart of development. She pointed out that primary health care in Qatar has become an advanced model at the regional and international levels, thanks to the strategic investment in human health and the building of an integrated system that provides high-quality preventive, curative and rehabilitative services in a safe and competitive environment.She emphasized that everyone in Qatar enjoys an advanced health system, noting that what has been achieved in terms of healthcare services is clearly reflected in the satisfaction of community members and visitors to health centers, while the results of surveys measuring the percentage of visitors' satisfaction with receiving the diverse and comprehensive services show that it has reached 80 percent.She stressed that these indicators are nothing but a manifestation of the impact of joint efforts in improving primary health care, saying that the conference gathering is not just a scientific event, but a platform that stimulates creativity, inspires health work teams to share knowledge and experiences, and anticipates innovative solutions that contribute to establishing a more prepared, flexible and sustainable health system, for a healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for the nation and society.She praised the tireless efforts and continuous attention of the state to the health sector, to promote human health as the true wealth of the nation. She noted that primary health care in Qatar has become a model to be emulated regionally and globally, thanks to the great support that this sector enjoys, and the keenness to empower people and provide an integrated health system that meets the preventive, curative and rehabilitative needs of all residents, in a safe, high-quality environment. She noted that the work of the conference reflects the spirit of partnership between the PHCC and the Ministry of Public Health, and comes in support of the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which focuses on promoting prevention, paying attention to mental health, improving the experience of patients, and developing sustainable services that keep pace with the state's aspirations.The PHCC's Managing Director indicated that the conference constitutes a vital scientific space to discuss key themes, including emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, innovation in medical education, promoting integration between disciplines, and developing digital solutions to improve the patient experience. Concluding her remarks, she voiced her appreciation for the efforts of the conference team, the partners in success from national and international institutions, and the official sponsors, stressing that this cooperation reflects a shared national commitment to developing primary health care in Qatar.HE the Minister of Public Health toured the exhibition accompanying the conference, in which distinguished healthcare professionals, including local and international companies, providers of medical services, supplies and devices, are participating to showcase their latest innovations in the healthcare sector, along with various educational and technological entities, which contributes to enriching the scientific experience of the participants and opening up broader horizons for cooperation and exchange of experiences. 

A vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during a visit to Bethlehem more than a decade ago has been transformed into a mobile health clinic that Christian leaders hope will soon be used to provide care to Palestinian children in Gaza.The initiative was blessed by Francis before he died in April and was entrusted to the Catholic organisation Caritas, which oversaw the project to convert the vehicle unveiled Tuesday."We're pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the healthcare of children in Gaza," Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton told a press conference in Bethlehem.Francis had used the vehicle, a converted Mitsubishi pick-up that was donated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014.The open platform at the back of the vehicle, where the Pope once stood as he travelled through Bethlehem, has now been enclosed and converted into the children's treatment area."This vehicle stands as a testimony that the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza," said Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, who had approached Francis before his death about Caritas' idea of converting the former popemobile into a mobile paediatric clinic.Caritas Sweden Secretary-General Peter Brune said that the mobile clinic was capable of treating around 200 children a day.But it was unclear when the vehicle would enter Gaza, where a ceasefire still formally holds despite frequent Israeli airstrikes on the territory battered by two years of war."As soon as we possibly can," Dutton said, declining to comment further. Cogat, the Israeli government agency responsible for co-ordinating the entry of aid into the enclave, declined to comment when asked about the request.Father Ibrahim Faltas said he hoped the vehicle would be moved to Gaza in the "near future", telling Reuters the popemobile-turned-clinic was ready to help children in Gaza.The United Nations children's agency Unicef said on Friday that at least 67 children have been killed in what it called conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire went into effect.The Israeli military has said that it was targeting fighters who have posed a threat to its soldiers occupying half of Gaza.Francis frequently spoke out about the war in Gaza and in January called the humanitarian situation there "shameful".He was also known to speak by phone with Gaza's small Christian community every evening during the war. "We know how much Pope Francis loved the people of the Holy Land, the people of Bethlehem and especially the people of Gaza," said Father Faltas, representative of the Franciscan Friars to the State of Palestine.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US have discovered a method that could restore vision to people suffering from amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, by reactivating the retina to its original state, allowing it to grow and heal itself.The study indicates that temporarily disabling the affected retina through anesthesia led to the recovery of the affected eye. After comparing the treated sample to a control group, the percentage of nerve signals coming from the treated eye increased to match the input from the healthy eye, indicating that the treatment effectively reactivated the affected eye.The results, published in the journal Cell Reports, show that temporarily anesthetizing the retina can restore the visual system to its original state and treat amblyopia, a condition that occurs when vision in one or both eyes does not develop properly during childhood, as the brain learns to ignore one eye.It is possible to disable the lazy eye, which performs few functions, and bring it back to life while preserving vision in the healthy eye, study author Mark Bears said.Previous studies indicate that available treatments only work in early childhood, when neural connections are still forming, making this new discovery an important step towards treating adults suffering from this condition.