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The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched Thursday the 3rd edition of its annual scientific conference, which will last for three days, under the title "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care".The opening day of the conference was attended by His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, His Excellency Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency QRCS Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, QRCS members of the Board of Directors and Secretary-General Assistants.In his opening remarks, His Excellency QRCS President Yousef bin Ali al-Khater said that the conference brings together a group of experts and specialists from various health institutions in the country, who meet together under one roof for three days to discuss and debate the most important topics and issues in the medical field and exchange experiences and information that contribute to improving the level of medical service provided to the public and responding to the latest developments in medical work and its changing challenges.He added that the conference's status is becoming more established year after year as an annual scientific forum that brings together the best professionals in Qatar who carry the noble message of medicine and dedicate themselves day and night to serving humanity and preserving the health and well-being of society. He noted that in each edition of the conference, success is established, interest expands, and the added value that the conference represents for the medical sector and all those working in it is confirmed.He also highlighted the success of QRCS in obtaining accreditation as an educational organization for continuing professional development for five years, after fulfilling all the standards and conditions applied by the MoPH's Department of Health Specialties - Accreditation and Medical Education Department. He noted that this achievement not only represents another milestone in the long history of QRCS, but also a living embodiment of the strategic partnership with the MoPH, through the QRCS's management and operation of workers' health centers for fifteen years.He expressed his pride in the QRCS having the second largest ambulance fleet in the country, in addition to an integrated center for training, research and development. In turn, Director of Training, Research, and Development Center at QRCS and Chairman of the Conference Ghanem Salman al-Sulaiti said that this year’s conference focuses on the topic of "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care" because the increasing burden of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.He indicated that approximately 242mn people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and that around 200mn women worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. He also pointed out that multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease are common neurological diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.He noted that the conference discusses the latest developments in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and pain management, and reviews best practices and the latest research in this field. The conference enjoys a strategic partnership with the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in addition to Servier Medical Company as a representative of the private sector.The conference agenda is divided into four components: pre-conference workshops, the main conference track, a parallel track for pharmacists, and a parallel track for physiotherapy and rehabilitation practitioners. The agenda comprises 61 sessions presented by 58 speakers and moderated by 35 facilitators from various healthcare providers across the country.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a circular requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. Implementation will be introduced gradually and will become compulsory for all pharmaceutical products available to the public from November 2027.The requirement stipulates that the name of the medicine, its active ingredient and strength must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English.The MoPH has also issued the Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use, which defines the technical and regulatory standards for implementation.Dr Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the MoPH, affirmed that this measure forms part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance medication awareness across all segments of society, and to facilitate safe access to and use of pharmaceutical products by people who are blind or visually impaired. He noted that this aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy (NHS), which seeks to improve population health and wellbeing, deliver excellence in healthcare services and patient experience, and promote quality, key enablers and sustainability.Dr Al Mannai added that the Ministry also aims to ensure the safe use of medicines and to improve access to information about medical products for people with visual impairments.He further explained that the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the MoPH will monitor implementation at all stages of pharmaceutical product registration, including new registrations, renewals, and modification requests. Compliance will also be verified during inspection and regulatory visits carried out by the Department's teams to pharmacies and drug warehouses.

The 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC)-Qatar 2025 is set to be organised from November 27 to 29, 2025, under the theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care”.Assistant Managing Director of Quality & Workforce Development, Dr Zelaikha Mohsin al-Wahedi, said the conference embodies Qatar’s prestigious standing in advancing the health sector and its sustainability and competence.This convention is part of a chain reaction of initiatives stemming from the national vision that places human health at the core of development priorities and underscores the importance of building a health system based on knowledge, prevention, and innovation, al-Wahedi highlighted.She further noted that over 1,000 experts including academics, and medical practitioners hailing from various countries around the world, representing elite global research and medical institutions, will attend this year’s conference – a testament to the enhanced confidence in PHCC as a leading scientific hub, and the incredible success of previously convened conferences in deepening its standing as a platform for scientific dialogue and sharing trailblazing global experiences in the field of primary healthcare.This year’s themes have addressed the rapid global evolution in the health sector and will primarily focus on AI applications, innovation in medical education, and emerging technologies, as well as their role in raising the efficiency of health services and optimising the experience of patients and visitors, al-Wahedi noted.She further indicated that this orientation aligns with the nation’s efforts in moving toward digital transformation in this sector, in PHCC’s pursuit to merge technology with daily practices to ensure high-quality and integrated care.She pointed out that the conference is not merely designed for scientific sessions, but also positions itself as a platform to boost collaboration and partnerships among domestic and international organisations, whether in terms of training, research, or capacity-building.The scientific programme of this event is poised to be structured into professional sessions convening domestic and international speakers, covering a wide spectrum of contemporary health issues that will address strategic subjects, she highlighted.These subjects, al-Wahedi said, include scientific research and its applications in clinical practice, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in healthcare, quality and patient safety, ethics and law in healthcare, inter-professional practice and collaboration, preventive care, priority populations such as older adults, children, and women, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).This is alongside key lectures to be delivered by international speakers to address the future of primary healthcare and collaboration in enhancing preventive services, along with parallel sessions that will cover state-of-the-art clinical updates in family medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory medicine, radiology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and dentistry, al-Wahedi pointed out.

His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud inaugurated the second edition of Qatar’s International Healthcare and Medical Exhibition and Conference (Qatar Medicare). Qatar Medicare brings together 100 local and international companies under one roof, 64 local and 36 international exhibitors.Organised by IFP Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health, the event continues until Thursday, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Chair of the Health Committee at Qatar Chamber Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said: “The Qatar Chamber is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qatar Medicare reflects the strong public-private collaboration driving Qatar’s healthcare landscape.”According to estimates by Fitch Solutions, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, Qatar’s healthcare sector is projected to experience accelerated growth, with total health expenditure expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR41.86bn).This expansion is set to position Qatar as the third-largest healthcare market in the GCC and the tenth-largest in the Mena region.Commercial and Operations Director at IFP Qatar Hayat Bayan commented: “Qatar Medicare includes daily one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, visitors, and major hospitals from both the public and private sectors, in addition to panel discussions and workshops featuring more than 55 speakers, 25 presentations, five dialogue sessions, four workshops, training sessions, and an Open Stage segment that allows professionals two minutes each to share their work and expertise. The event will conclude with the Qatar Medicare 2025 Healthcare Excellence Awards, honouring 15 categories of outstanding healthcare institutions and individuals.”Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor at Qatar Cancer Society and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Cancer Patients Alliance, emphasised: “The QCS is participating as a Silver Sponsor to enhance its awareness efforts on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of public education.”“It will also explore the latest technologies and potential partnerships to improve and innovate healthcare practices, contributing to raising community awareness and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families,” he said.

There has been an increase in the rates of chronic and non-communicable diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles such as physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, and stress, which led to significant and widespread concerns with serious human and financial consequences for countries and their healthcare systems.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is becoming the most common chronic and non-communicable disease. The international community celebrates World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 each year, since it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.WHO Representative in Qatar Dr Rayana Bou Haka, said in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), that around 800 million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes across the globe. She pointed out that the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which includes 22 countries among them the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, has the highest regional prevalence rate of diabetes, standing at 17.6 percent among adults aged between 20 and 79 years.She noted that in this same region, there are nearly 85 million adults, one in every six people, living with diabetes. This number is expected to rise by 92 percent to reach 163 million by 2050, posing an increasing burden in both the short and long term, despite the efforts made in health education, awareness, and the development of medicines and treatment methods.Dr. Bou Haka expressed concern that the region also records the highest rate of diabetes-related deaths, 21.6 percent, among working-age individuals (under 60 years old), specifically between 25 and 60 years. At the same time, about one-third of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting major gaps in early detection and patient care, which in turn limits people's ability to live longer, healthier lives.She revealed the extent of diabetes prevalence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and, in this context, identified the rates for the main complications of the disease: retinopathy (25 percent), kidney disease (23 percent), neuropathy (6 percent), dyslipidemia (56 percent), hypertension (59 percent), ischemic heart disease (25 percent), coronary artery disease (15 percent), and diabetes-related foot complications (6 percent).She pointed out that the proportion of people with diabetes in the Gulf countries ranges between 10 percent and 15 percent of the diagnosed population, noting that in some parts of the world, this figure can reach up to 20 percent. She explained that this variation is due to several factors, including personal and psychological readiness to cope with the disease, lifestyle choices, and unhealthy dietary habits, among others.The WHO Representative in Qatar warned that if the situation continues globally as it is, it will be difficult to achieve the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by 2030, which aims to reduce chronic diseases by one-third (or 33 percent) in each country.She further noted that if current trends persist, only about 11 percent of that target will be achieved by the stated year, a rate she described as below expectations, emphasizing the need for greater attention to prevention, awareness, early diagnosis, and access to related healthcare services and programs.Dr. Bou Haka noted that the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region have made some tangible progress, despite the fact that several of them are experiencing crises and wars. However, she pointed out that even in other countries not affected by such conditions, the rate of implementation of programs and guidelines related to diabetes prevention and complication management does not exceed 50 percent. She attributed this mainly to insufficient dissemination of essential knowledge about the disease among patients and their families.The WHO Representative highlighted Qatar's National Diabetes Strategy and its various pillars, particularly those focusing on awareness, prevention programs, and health education. She emphasized the strategy's comprehensive approach, which prioritizes prevention, increasing awareness, improving the quality of healthcare, and enhancing research and information systems.In this context, she referred to Qatar's initiative of dedicating a National Sport Day each year and providing exercise equipment in various areas across the country. She praised the efforts of several national bodies, including the Qatar Diabetes Association, and affirmed that Qatar's healthcare system is advanced, with accessible and integrated services, as well as available diagnostic and treatment options. She also highlighted the continuous encouragement to promote behavioral change, especially among youth.Dr. Bou Haka added that the World Health Organization is working to adopt similar initiatives and to launch a free, open-access online program focused on diabetes education modeled after Qatar's approach. The program aims to raise patients' awareness about early diagnosis, regular follow-up, adherence to medication schedules, and compliance with physicians' instructions.She further explained that for every one dollar spent on diabetes prevention and obesity reduction, countries can save an equivalent of 23 dollars in treatment costs. Similarly, investing one dollar in the prevention of other chronic diseases yields an estimated seven-dollar return in health and economic benefits.Dr. Bou Haka also praised Qatar's support for WHO health programs, noting that this contributes to strengthening targeted services and improving access to treatment. She emphasized the importance of countries facilitating patients' access to medications by engaging in joint drug procurement initiatives to reduce prices and make treatments more affordable.In her interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), WHO Representative in Qatar Dr. Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka pointed out a balance in the rates of diabetes among both men and women, indicating that some studies suggest that complications of the disease are more prevalent in men due to several reasons, especially in terms of type 2 diabetes, when the body cannot use insulin properly or does not produce enough of it, leading to an accumulation of sugar (glucose) in the blood.She emphasized the importance of undergoing medical examinations, especially for those over 35 years of age, even if they do not show symptoms of diabetes or other diseases, given that there are silent diseases with serious complications.The world aspires for 80 percent of people with diabetes and 80 percent of those with hypertension to be diagnosed and aware of their condition by 2030, and for their blood sugar and blood pressure levels to be under control. The goal is also for 60 percent of those over 40 years of age to adhere regularly to their medication, and for 100 percent of people with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes to have access to insulin, monitoring, and effective disease management, she said.Dr. Bou Haka also stressed that this is a shared responsibility, requiring concerted efforts of governments, institutions and communities, as well as individuals.World Diabetes Day - an annual event that falls on Nov. 14, aims to raise awareness about diabetes, encourage early diagnosis, promote the importance of detecting the disease in its early stages, and provide support to patients and their families, as well as highlight the impact of diabetes on society and the importance of preventing and managing it.

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 Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced the implementation of the national seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, which was launched in the second half of September in co-operation with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, and both governmental, semi-governmental, and private health facilities.In a statement, MoPH stressed: “This forms part of the annual strategy to raise awareness, strengthen prevention, and limit the spread of influenza during the winter season”. “Influenza vaccines are available free of charge this year at more than 103 health facilities, including 31 health centres affiliated with the Primary Health Care Corporation, 57 private sector health facilities covering all major hospitals, and 15 semi-governmental facilities, among them Qatar Energy and the Qatar Red Crescent,” it added.The statement said: “MoPH provides influenza vaccinations in ministries, government institutions, and private companies as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at facilitating access to vaccination services for all members of society, thereby enhancing coverage rates and safeguarding public health”.MoPH urged all members of the community, especially those groups most at risk of complications, “to come forward and obtain the seasonal influenza vaccine at the earliest opportunity. It affirms that prevention begins with vaccination and that health awareness is the first line of defence”.“Groups prioritised for influenza vaccination include individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart and lung diseases, kidney impairment, and weakened immunity, as well as senior citizens (over 60 years old), children aged between 6 months and 5 years, pregnant women, and healthcare workers,” the statement clarified.For enquiries about the national seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, the ministry explained, people may contact the Qatar Health Sector Unified Call Centre at 16000.

More than 60 healthcare professionals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Cameroon, Croatia, the United Kingdom, and Canada attended this year’s Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine (CLM) programme. The course was organised by the Institute for Population Health (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar (WCM-Q).The CLM is a 60-hour certificate programme that equips healthcare practitioners with the education and competencies to aid in the evaluation, prevention, and management of lifestyle-related chronic health conditions.The programme emphasises evidence-based practices focused on lifestyle-related interventions, including regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, adequate sleep, tobacco cessation, stress management, and social connections.Additionally, the course enables healthcare practitioners to improve overall quality of life and patient outcomes by engaging in meaningful discussions with patients about the potential of lifestyle medicine. Dr Ravinder Mamtani, WCM-Q professor of population health sciences and vice dean for population health and lifestyle medicine, and professor of medicine at the Centre for Global Health, said: “Integrating lifestyle medicine practices into mainstream healthcare is essential for advancing the quality and effectiveness of care.The course’s eighth offering reflects a rising urgency to integrate evidence-based lifestyle medicine into healthcare delivery.”The CLM programme featured a selection of local and international experts, including Dr Mamtani; Dr Sohaila Cheema, associate professor of clinical population health sciences and assistant dean for IPH; Dr Amit Abraham, assistant professor of clinical population health sciences and assistant director of IPH; Sarah Burshan, psychologist/learning support specialist and wellness counsellor at WCM-Q; Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, senior consultant of public health and disease control, and director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation; and Dr Shahrad Taheri, professor of medicine at WCM-Q and senior consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at the National Obesity Treatment Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation.Dr Cheema said: “This year’s programme featured an impressive lineup of experts who provided participants with world-class insights and practical strategies to integrate lifestyle medicine in medical practice. We are also proud that the program reached full capacity, a clear sign of the high demand for, and growing recognition of lifestyle medicine as an essential component of healthcare.”

The UN's health agency pleaded Friday for thousands of people in desperate need of medical care to be allowed to leave Gaza, in what it said would be a "game-changer".The World Health Organisation has supported the medical evacuation of nearly 7,800 patients out of the Gaza Strip since the war with Israel began two years ago -- and estimates there are 15,000 people currently needing treatment outside the Palestinian territory.But a US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 has not sped up the process -- the WHO has been able to evacuate only 41 critical patients since then.Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO's representative in the Palestinian territories, called for all crossings out of Gaza into Israel and Egypt to be opened up during the ceasefire -- not only for the entry of aid but for medical evacuations too."All medical corridors need to be opened," he said, particularly to hospitals in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as happened routinely before the war."It is vital and is the most cost-effective route. If that route opened, it would really be a... game-changer."Speaking via video link from Jerusalem, he told journalists in Geneva that two evacuations were planned for next week, but he wanted them every day and said the WHO was ready to take "a minimum of 50 patients per day".At the current rate, he said evacuating the 15,000 people needing treatment -- including 4,000 children -- would drag on for a decade or so.The WHO says more than 700 people have died waiting for medical evacuation since the war began.The UN health agency has called for more countries to step up and accept Gazan patients. While over 20 countries have taken patients, only a handful have done so in large numbers.Peeperkorn said only a fraction of Gaza's health system remained in service -- just 14 of 36 hospitals are even partially functional for a population topping two million.

The View Hospital, in Affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, recently held “Innovations in Women’s Health” Symposium. The two-day event brought together more than 200 physicians, nurses, allied health, researchers and healthcare leaders from Qatar, the GCC and international medical institutions to share the latest advancements in women’s health and exchange expertise aimed at shaping future standards of care.This year’s edition built on the momentum of the “Innovations” series with a comprehensive scientific program covering broad areas of women’s health. The symposium emphasized the role of innovation in improving clinical practices and highlighted the need to ensure equitable and compassionate healthcare for women globally.As part of the symposium, The View Hospital presented the Women of Healing Champion Award, honouring six distinguished leaders for their extraordinary impact in healthcare. Dr. Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, Managing Director of PHCC, was recognized for her pioneering role in strengthening primary healthcare in Qatar. Dr. Ameena Jesaimani, Executive Director of Pharmacy at HMC, was recognized for advancing pharmacy practice and medication safety.Dr. Noora Al Hammadi, Deputy CMO at NCCCR, was recognized for her leadership in oncology and cancer innovation. Dr. Amal Al Obaidli, Chairperson of Clinical Imaging at HMC, was recognized for transforming diagnostic imaging and championing early detection. Dr. Hadeel Al Ramli, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The View Hospital, was honored for her compassionate, comprehensive care in women’s health.Finally, Dr. Seungmin Kathy Lee, Consultant in Alternative Medicine at the Korean Medical Center, was recognized for integrating Korean traditional medicine with modern healthcare to advance holistic patient care.These women embody the very essence of leadership, compassion and resilience. Their journeys reflect not only professional excellence but also a shared commitment to breaking barriers, driving innovation and elevating the standards of care for women across Qatar and beyond.Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Chief Executive Officer of The View Hospital, said: “This symposium reflects our strong commitment to making women’s health a key part of building a healthier society. By bringing together experts from different fields, we are turning the latest research and technology into real improvements in patient care. Through our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, we are proud to combine global expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that women in Qatar and the region receive the best in innovation and compassionate care.”The symposium drew a distinguished gathering of international and regional experts, with Cedars-Sinai leaders addressing key topics such as the hormone journey from menarche to menopause, new perspectives on breast and gynecologic oncology, and advancements in endometriosis. They were joined by a strong regional and local presence alongside contributors from Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Aspetar, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Qatar University, Al Emadi Hospital, West Bay Medicare and other leading institutions.Reflecting the global spirit of the symposium, symposium cochair Dr. Harry Sax, Professor of Surgery and Associate Dean of International Academic Affairs and site Medical Director at Cedars-Sinai; noted, “Every time experts come together to share data, techniques, and outcomes, patient care moves forward. Women represent more than half of the global population, yet they remain underrepresented in clinical research and gender specific health care protocols. At Cedars-Sinai, we are strongly committed to advancing women’s health through specialized institutes such as the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, and through pioneering work in breast health, obstetrics, gynecology, urology, genetics and longevity. Our affiliation with The View Hospital and this symposium exemplifies Qatar’s emergence as a hub for women’s health innovation, with insights that will elevate standards well beyond the region.”The symposium also carried academic weight, granting participants 12.5 CPD points. This activity is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions - Accreditation Section and is approved for a maximum of 12.50 hours. Participants also received 10 CME credits recognized by Cedars-Sinai in the United States.In line with its commitment to advancing women’s health, The View Hospital has enhanced its Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, located on the fifth floor. The department combines world-class expertise with advanced diagnostics, monitoring systems and specialized technologies, including the da Vinci robotic surgery system, laparoscopy, colposcopy and hysteroscopy. The hospital has also introduced a dedicated clinic for endometriosis and uterine fibroids, further positioning itself at the forefront of women’s health by providing cutting-edge solutions that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.The annual innovations symposium has now firmly established itself as a leading platform in the region’s medical calendar, bringing global expertise to Doha and reinforcing Qatar’s growing reputation for healthcare innovation and excellence.

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.

The Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health.The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects. Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development. They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programmes.Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations. (QNA)