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Philippine officials, led by Health Undersecretary Dr Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral asserted the country’s commitment to integrating mental health into national policies and services during the 6th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in Doha, the embassy has said.The two-day summit, held from September 30-October 1, is a key international platform designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and integrate mental health as a core component of overall health and human rights – a focus consistent with key UN instruments, including the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights.During a panel discussion focusing on the implications of the UN High-Level Meeting of Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Palermo-Maestral detailed the Philippines’ comprehensive national framework and the strategies being employed to address rising mental health needs.She highlighted the country’s concerted efforts in embedding mental health promotion within existing community-based primary health care processes. Key initiatives include securing sustainable financing for mental health programmes and advancing data research and innovation.She added that a whole of government approach is used to address the increasing incidence of depression and similar problems among vulnerable individuals, including minors. Several government agencies collaborate to operate health promotion bureaus, establish peer support groups, and maintain easily accessible crisis hotlines for children and youth.Philippine ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor stressed the necessity of facilitating access to mental health services for Filipinos residing abroad. He cited the particular vulnerability of Overseas Filipino Workers who “live and work overseas, far from their basic social support groups”.“In Qatar, we are continually engaging with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the welfare of our kababayan, including their mental health, is given utmost priority,” he said.

Lebanon's Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine highlighted the depth of the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and Lebanon, praising Qatar's leadership in the health sector. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Lebanese Health Minister affirmed that the relations between the two countries date back many years and are based on a shared commitment to supporting and developing them in various fields. He praised the significant development witnessed by the State of Qatar across various sectors, particularly in the health field, noting that Qatar represents an advanced model to be emulated in integrated healthcare systems both regionally and internationally. He stressed Qatar's steadfast support for Lebanon and its continued assistance, especially in the health sector, highlighting the ongoing cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development in the reconstruction of Karantina Hospital. He explained that Qatar's support for the Lebanese health sector has been present throughout various stages — starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, through the Beirut Port explosion, and up to the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon--affirming that this continuous support reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries. The Minister also referred to his recent visit to Doha to participate in the 6th Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health, noting the meetings he held with several officials from Qatar Charity, the Qatar Cancer Society, the Qatar Fund for Development, and the Qatar Red Crescent, during which ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health and humanitarian fields were discussed. Dr. Nassereddine expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for its continued support to Lebanon, affirming his country's readiness to strengthen health cooperation and exchange expertise, particularly in crisis response and in dealing with injuries resulting from disasters and wars. He emphasized the importance of Arab partnerships, including with Qatar, to support Lebanon's health sector, which suffers from limited resources but at the same time boasts highly qualified and skilled professionals. He revealed an improvement in healthcare coverage for patients under the supervision of the Lebanese Ministry of Health, through the expansion of medication protocols — especially for cancer treatment — along with the gradual inclusion of kidney transplants and heart valve procedures, in addition to enhancing mental health support, particularly for chronic cases. The Minister of Public Health, pointed out that the ministry's 2024 budget amounted to around $445 million, while the 2025 budget is approximately $480 million, noting that more than $200 million of this amount is allocated to hospital care.

Qatar participated Saturday in the 88th meeting of the Gulf Health Council of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the 11th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee in Kuwait.Qatar delegation was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health, Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud.The two meetings reviewed topics related to joint Gulf health co-operation and action.The 88th meeting of the Gulf Health Council focused on significant issues, including an update of the unified Gulf Health Strategy 2026-2030.The 11th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee addressed several key topics, notably the GSS Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025-2026, health insurance, the outcomes of unifying the classification and registration procedures for health specialities, healthy cities, and the Gulf Virtual Health Platform.Speaking during the 11th meeting of the Committee of GCC Health Ministers, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the Gulf health system has achieved great development in recent years by upgrading its health systems, qualifying national cadres to be at the highest levels of efficiency, elevating their capabilities for disease prevention and control, as well as expanding the scope of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of medical services, thereby surpassing the regional and global averages in the health index.Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC countries are moving with confident steps towards completing the process of Gulf health integration by unifying common health standards and protocols and building strategic partnerships with international organisations and leading countries in the health field.“The GCC countries are working in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the project to accredit the Healthy Cities Programme, which seeks to achieve the highest level of health and well-being in sustainable and socially effective cities,” he pointed out.Albudaiwi underscored that health represents the fundamental pillar of comprehensive development and the most important investment in the future of man and society, saying: “The GCC countries have been keen to transform this belief into a tangible reality that is reflected in the lives of Gulf citizens and residents.”The GCC secretary-general mentioned that there are many gains achieved by the GCC countries in the health field, including that more than 204,000 Gulf citizens benefited from government medical services in the GCC countries outside their home countries during 2023, in implementation of the principle of equal treatment among citizens of the GCC countries.“The total number of hospitals in the GCC countries has exceeded 863, with an average annual growth of 1.5%, and the number of health centres and complexes has exceeded 3,400 health facilities, with an average annual growth of 2.5%,” Albudaiwi added.He added: “The General Secretariat, in co-ordination with the Ministries of Health and relevant authorities, also implemented the experimental indicative classification programme for 783 male and female doctors from GCC countries working outside their countries during 2025, in support of national competencies and to strengthen an integrated Gulf health system. The statistics of these gains are living proof of the depth of health integration among the GCC countries and of our common determination to build a solid health sector that guarantees a better life for our citizens.”

The Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit concluded Wednesday in Doha, following two days of sessions held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.The summit witnessed high-level participation from ministers, representatives of states, and international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, in addition to experts and specialists from across the globe.The Ministerial Summit adopted a number of key priorities aimed at supporting governments in translating commitments into national action plans that deliver tangible improvements in mental health care for their populations.These priorities align with the summit’s main theme, ‘Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions’.HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud stated, “The deliberations of the Ministerial Summit affirmed the shared commitment to improving mental health at national, regional and global levels.“The outcomes of this Ministerial Summit and the key priorities it identified will help to strengthen investment in mental health, innovation and digital solutions, equity and inclusivity, as well as cooperation and knowledge exchange. This will contribute to addressing major global challenges in mental health and achieving sustainable improvements in mental health services for all.”The Ministerial Summit featured a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions and six workshops, in addition to several side activities. Officials, policymakers and specialists discussed pressing mental health issues to develop strategies at a global level. The summit hosted 64 speakers, both local and international.At the closing session of the Ministerial Summit, it was announced that the Republic of Rwanda will host the next Summit during the coming year.The Ministerial Summit aims to address mental health as an integral part of public health, social justice and human rights, in line with the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mental health is a fundamental human right, HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud has stressed, and it must remain at the heart of the public policy and collective action.“As a result of the complex interplay of genetic predispositions, social and environmental factors, economic hardship, humanitarian emergencies and the long-term effects of conflict, the need for effective and accessible mental health services is increasing worldwide,” he said. “This reflects our conviction that mental health is a fundamental human right, and it must remain at the heart of our public policy and collective action.”HE al-Mahmoud said this after inaugurating the two-day Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, held for the first time in the Middle East, at the opening session of the summit.Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the ceremony was attended by ministers, representatives of states, international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, as well as global experts and specialists.HE al-Mahmoud stressed the importance of the summit, saying that it is an opportunity “to work together to advance mental health in all regions of the world, through a shared vision of a healthier and more inclusive future”.“Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, places great importance on public health as part of its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the population,” he stated. “We are intensifying efforts to safeguard the population’s physical and mental health and have launched dedicated strategies and national frameworks to promote good mental well-being among the population, including the development of an integrated system that ensures access to appropriate care at the right time and in the right place.”The minister noted that, as part of the “Health in All Policies” approach, Qatar has worked to integrate mental health across all sectors and society as a whole.“We have also aligned our national efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being,” he said.“At the international level, and through our country’s active role in promoting security and stability worldwide, Qatar is committed to working with its international partners to prevent international crises, to address them when they arise, and to mitigate their impact,” HE al-Mahmoud continued. “Our country also supports long-term development policies to serve the population, with particular focus on those most in need of care.”“The summit will strengthen our shared journey and mark a significant step forward that builds on the achievements of previous summits,” the minister stressed. “These summits have fostered international co-operation, forged effective partnerships, and underscored the urgent need to increase investment in mental health as a foundation of public health, social justice and sustainable development.”In a recorded address, United Nations deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed stated that the reality of mental health at the global level highlights the need for decisive action to improve mental health for all and to make it a fundamental pillar of universal health coverage.She emphasised the importance of investment, innovation and digital solutions, while affirming that mental health is a universal human right and a shared responsibility.In a recorded message, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that the issues under discussion at the summit reflect many of the key challenges facing global mental health, including harnessing digital technology while preventing its negative impacts, and financing and scaling up effective mental health interventions, particularly during emergencies and humanitarian crises.The WHO chief emphasised that the summit provides an important platform for moving these commitments forward by advancing concrete solutions, identifying investment priorities and enhancing international collaboration, adding: “There is no health without mental health.”The Ministerial Mental Health Summit features a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities.Officials, policymakers and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues in order to develop strategies at the global level.The summit brings together 64 local and international speakers.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) confirmed that children in the Gaza Strip need more life-saving nutrition and health services in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation aggression on the Strip. UNICEF explained in a statement that one in five children in the Gaza Strip is born prematurely or has a low birth weight. UNICEF also noted that it provided essential hygiene supplies to hospitals and health centers in Gaza City this week, but emphasized that Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip need access to more life-saving nutrition and health services. The UN renewed its call for immediate, large-scale aid to reach children, infants, and families in the Gaza Strip. It also renewed its call for a ceasefire in the territory, which Israel has imposed a systematic starvation on for months and a stifling blockade for nearly two years.

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 State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.

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.

Qatar participated in the high-level ministerial meeting launching the Global Autism Alliance, held at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi.The meeting announced the establishment of the alliance as an international platform aimed at fostering understanding, coordinating efforts, and expanding global initiatives to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of Public Health emphasised the importance of launching the Global Autism Alliance to strengthen joint efforts for sustainable improvement and to provide necessary support to individuals with autism and their families worldwide. He underlined that Qatar attaches great importance to health as a means to achieve a more just, secure, and humane world, and that autism remains a key priority in both public health and social development.He noted that in 2017 Qatar launched its first National Autism Plan, a comprehensive strategy covering awareness, early diagnosis, medical intervention, inclusive education, and lifelong support. He added that the plan is reinforced by large-scale awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with families and communities.He also said that Qatar’s integrated, rights-based approach demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring that every individual with autism can reach their potential and actively contribute to society.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family reaffirmed Qatar’s ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and achieving health, education, and social equity for individuals with autism. She stressed that this commitment stems from Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s comprehensive, rights-based approach to supporting the most vulnerable. She also praised international partnerships that strengthen this initiative.She highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who played a pivotal role in advancing dignity and inclusivity for people with autism and in helping the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 62/139 in December 2007, which designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.Al-Nuaimi further explained that the Global Autism Alliance is an important step toward advancing international co-operation and knowledge-sharing through research and innovation, with the aim of increasing the impact of global efforts. She stressed the importance of making innovation central to the initiative, particularly in reimagining social systems, supporting families, and fostering community participation to ensure equal opportunities for all.She noted that the alliance represents a qualitative leap in co-ordinated international efforts to raise awareness about autism and improve services provided to individuals with autism, through collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.The event was organised in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the World Health Organisation, Unicef, and Autism Speaks.As part of its commitment to supporting children with autism, Qatar continues its efforts under the Qatar Foundation Strategy 2025-2035, which provides comprehensive support in education, health, and innovation, while strengthening social inclusion. These efforts include early intervention programs offering therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions for children aged 3 to 14, as well as autism-friendly hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, which provides suitable medical environments for children during treatment. Qatar also continues to raise awareness through World Autism Day activities and focuses on inclusive education by integrating specialised programmes for children with autism into both public and private schools.

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

As the fastest-growing healthcare provider in the MENA region, Apex Health stands out for its exceptional patient-centered care with earning five recognition awards.Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding and one of the Middle East and North Africa’s leading healthcare providers, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its journey, with the organization itself, along with four of its hospitals recognized among the winners of the Arab Hospitals Federation’s Gold Initiative Certificate - Star of Excellence in Patient Experience. Each hospital achieved distinction in its own category, reflecting Apex Health’s unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centered excellence care across its hospitals.The recognition took place during a ceremony held on Wednesday, under the patronage and in the presence of distinguished leaders, with the participation of the Arab Hospitals Federation, the support and knowledge contribution of The Beryl Institute, and the presence of leading healthcare institutions from across the Arab world.Following a rigorous evaluation by a jury panel in collaboration with The Beryl Institute. These hospitals stood out among 267 participating healthcare institutions from 10 countries for their excellence in safety, quality, innovation, governance, and the overall patient journey. For Apex Health, this achievement reinforces its reputation for operational excellence, innovative practices, and a culture that places patients at the heart of everything it does.Apex Health’s celebrated itself and four of its hospitals in both Qatar and Iraq, each earning top positions in multiple categories within the Gold Initiative Certificate. In Qatar, The View Hospital, and the Military Medical City Hospital, managed by EWS stood out, while in Iraq, Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Karbala Governance and Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar Governance were distinguished.Apex Health itself was honored with a Recognition Award under the Gold Initiative Certificate – Star of Excellence in Patient Experience. This distinction highlights the group’s dedication to delivering trusted, high-quality healthcare, building a resilient and sustainable health system, and fostering innovation across all its projects and partnerships.The View Hospital, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, has been recognized for its leadership in clinical excellence and continuity of care, and earned Gold in both Safety and Quality of Care and Continuity of Care and Transition Management. A reflection of its commitment to ensuring every patient’s journey is safe, smooth, and supported at every stage.The Military Medical City Hospital, managed by EWS, has been acknowledged for its progressive approach to healthcare innovation, with achieving Silver in Sustainability, Innovation & Technology, reflecting its efforts to integrate advanced solutions, adopt sustainable practices, and continually enhance the way care is delivered.Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospitall, Dhi Qar Governance, Iraq, in recognition for its strong governance and organizational culture, received a Silver in Leadership, Governance, Policy & Culture, highlighting its commitment to effective leadership, clear policies, and a supportive environment that puts patients first.Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, Karbala Governance، Iraq, has been recognized for its high standards in clinical safety, and was awarded Silver in Safety and Quality of Care, underscoring its dedication to protecting patients, upholding rigorous safety protocols, and delivering reliable, high-quality treatment.Commenting on the achievement, Joseph Hazel, Group Chief Executive Officer, Apex Health, said: “This is a proud moment for our entire team. Earning a Recognition Award along with five certificates in Qatar and Iraq across different categories is more than recognition, it’s a reflection of our people’s dedication, our patients’ trust, and our vision to set new benchmarks in healthcare across the MENA. Our success is strengthened by trusted international partnerships and strong relationships with government entities which have been instrumental in advancing the quality of care we provide, and this belongs to every member of our hospitals who works tirelessly to deliver care that is safe, innovative, and deeply personal.”The recognition from the Arab Hospitals Federation underscores Apex Health’s vision to shape a healthier future through trusted care, advanced technology, and global partnerships with delivering measurable improvements in healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.