tag

Qatar University (QU) celebrated the graduation of the 14th cohort of the Empower Generations Consortium, a national initiative dedicated to investing in Qatari talent in the fields of life sciences, health sciences, and scientific research.Established in support of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Consortium is a collaborative ecosystem led by QU, bringing together more than 13 partners from the health and education sectors, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the official sponsor; Qatar Precision Health Institute; Qatar Foundation; Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC); the Ministry of Public Health; the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC); Sidra Medicine; Gannas Qatari Society; the Qatar Falcon Genome Project; and the Veterinary Medicine Center, along with two international partners: Fractal Up Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and the Africa Research Project (ARP).**media[386933]**The ceremony was attended by Prof Asma al-Thani, vice president for Medical Sciences and director of the Biomedical Research Center at QU, along with several university vice presidents, deans of health and medical sciences colleges, and representatives from the MoEHE. In her remarks, Fatima al-Obaidli, assistant director at the MoEHE, praised QU’s efforts and the Empowering Generations Consortium programmes for their role in enhancing students’ skills and preparing them for the future.**media[386934]**The 14th cycle of the Consortium began in November 2025 and continued for two weeks of separate training programmes for male and female students. A total of 23 high schools and 150 Qatari students participated in three projects: Health, the Genomics and Precision Medicine Project, and Qatar Scientists of Biodiversity. The programme concluded with separate recognition ceremonies for the female and male participants.**media[386935]**During the ceremony, Dr Abdulla al-Yafei, president's executive assistant for administrative operations at QU, delivered a speech highlighting the success of the 14th cycle. He noted that the programme received 620 applications, of which 150 were selected to join the specialised training across various fields. He recalled that the Consortium was established in 2013 to support Qatar National Vision 2030 and comprises 13 partners across the health, research, and education sectors.He added that the Consortium has significantly contributed to raising the number of Qatari students in the health and medical programmes at QU from 6% in 2013 to 43% in 2025. He also noted the Consortium ’s achievements, including published research in peer-reviewed journals, documented effectiveness through comprehensive databases, and multiple international awards. Dr al-Yafie reiterated QU’s commitment to empowering students through comprehensive hands-on training environments and expressed gratitude to all partners for their continued support.The event concluded with the presentation of honorary certificates to participating schools across Qatar and to the students, awarded by the MoEHE. 

His Excellency Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer al-Thani met Monday with Ambassador of the Republic of India to Qatar, Vipul. During the meeting, they discussed media relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted the 4th symposium on Diabetes Care under the theme “Transforming Diabetes Care for Well-Being: Innovations in Education, Research, and Person-Centred Practice.”Held in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and with the support of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and The View Hospital in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, the symposium brought together national and international healthcare experts to discuss the latest advances, challenges and opportunities in diabetes care and prevention as well as the broader metabolic health agenda.The symposium was attended by Sheikh Dr Mohammed al-Thani, director of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes at the MoPH; Dr. Rachid Benlamri, vice president, academics UDST; Dr Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, director of the World Health Organisation Office, Qatar; Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute and division chief of Endocrinology at HMC; Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association; Prof Amanda Adler, professor of Diabetic Medicine and Health Policy at the University of Oxford, UK; and Dr Tassos Kotzias, president of the Doha Chapter of the International Coaching Federation, and several researchers, faculty, students and guests.The event featured an extensive scientific programme including keynote lectures, expert talks, and interactive panel discussions covering topics such as diabetes remission, innovations in cardiovascular and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk management, holistic and person-centred care, and the integration of mental health and behaviour change in diabetes management.Dr Salem al-Naemi, president of UDST, stated: “At UDST, we take pride in fostering platforms that connect education, research, and healthcare practice to address some of Qatar’s most pressing health priorities. The 4th Symposium on Diabetes Care reflects our shared mission to build capacity among healthcare professionals, support innovation in diabetes education, and contribute to the nation’s collective efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.”Dr Dabia said: “Our shared goal is to deliver care that is innovative, compassionate and truly integrated - centred on the person, not just the condition. As we address diabetes alongside obesity and cardiovascular disease, we recognise that these conditions are deeply interconnected and require coordinated, multidisciplinary solutions.”The symposium also featured a high-level panel discussion on the National Health Strategy (NHS-3), 2024 - 2030, Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease emphasising ongoing efforts to advance childhood obesity prevention and strengthen integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to non-communicable diseases care across Qatar.An accompanying exhibition highlighted the contributions of key healthcare institutions and academic organisations actively engaged in diabetes care, research, and education in Qatar.

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.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is expanding and enhancing its services to improve bone health and reduce the impact of osteoporosis through specialist clinics, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment options across its facilities.Affecting around 30% of women and 10% of men over the age of 50, osteoporosis leads to a reduction in bone density and strength, increasing the risk of fractures, mainly in the hips, spine, and wrists. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease, with many people unaware of the condition until experiencing a fracture. HMC continues to focus its efforts on raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and prevention, and providing timely and effective care for those at risk.HMC offers a full range of specialist services that support patients through every stage of osteoporosis management. Dedicated osteoporosis clinics operate across several HMC facilities, providing individualised assessment and care for patients at risk of or living with osteoporosis. Advanced diagnostic tools, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning with Vertebral Fracture Assessment and Trabecular Bone Score are available to enable accurate and early diagnosis.In addition, a specialist Fracture Liaison Clinic at the Bone and Joint Center ensures co-ordinated care for patients recovering from fractures and works to prevent future injuries. A full selection of approved osteoporosis medications - oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous - are available and prescribed based on each patient’s clinical needs. HMC encourages members of the public, especially those with risk factors such as age, menopause, or family history of fractures, to speak with their family physician about screening for osteoporosis, while regularly exercising and eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen bones. The FRAX online tool is used by healthcare teams and patients to predict the 10-year risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis.This electronic system calculates and tracks key factors that should be considered when managing osteoporosis, enabling treatment decisions to be based on fracture risk assessment rather than bone density measurements alone.

The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has organised the 2025 Person-Centred Care (PCC) Middle East Forum. The event was attended by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud and HE the HMC managing director Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi, along with regional and international healthcare leaders, professionals, and innovators committed to advancing person-centred approaches to healthcare transformation. Delivered by the HMC in partnership with US-based Planetree International, the forum has established itself as the region’s premier platform for sharing best practices and innovations that place patients and families at the heart of care. This year’s theme, *Shaping the Future of Care: Innovations in Person-Centered Care, focused on how innovation, integration and inclusivity are reshaping healthcare delivery across systems and communities. The programme featured three key tracks: Person-Centred Digital Transformation, Collaborative Care; Building Partnerships for Better Outcomes, and Care Beyond Boundaries; and Systematic Personalisation Across Networks. Throughout the two-day event, speakers and delegates explored how emerging technologies, collaborative partnerships and co-designed models of care can enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes. The forum highlighted the HMC’s leadership in embedding person-centred care across its network – from pioneering digital tools such as the Lbaih mobile app, which enables patients to access and manage their healthcare information via their mobile devices, to establishing Qatar’s first AI Centre of Excellence driving the development of SMART hospital frameworks. Beyond technology, the HMC’s person-centred approach has established the Person-Centred Care Ambassadors Programme, empowering volunteers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and professions to enrich the hospital experience of patients and families through compassionate service and meaningful interaction. Another example is the HMC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a collaborative group of patients, family members and caregivers who partner with HMC teams to shape programmes, services, and initiatives. Through the PFAC, the perspectives and lived experiences of patients directly influence care delivery, ensuring that services truly reflect their needs and expectations.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation, met with Dr. Hamza Al-Mustafa, Syrian Minister of Information, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation. During the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of Qatar Media Corporation, both sides discussed ways to enhance media cooperation between the two brotherly countries. The two parties expressed their mutual interest in strengthening cooperation and exchanging media expertise and experiences.

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

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

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.

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

Qatar Media Corporation, represented by Qatar Television, won two prestigious Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) awards for the exchange of TV content and programmes. This came during the 23rd meeting of ASBU’s Standing TV programmes committee, which began in Tunisia Tuesday and will end Thursday.Qatar TV secured 3rd place in the comprehensive TV content exchange award category and won 2nd place in the TV programme exchange award category, in recognition of programme quality and active participation in the media content exchange framework.These awards represents a milestone for Qatar Media Corp and Qatar TV in terms of supporting Arab TV production, enhancing co-operation among media outlets in the Arab world, and delivering media content that cultivates cultural taste and keeps pace with professional development in Qatari media, thus, affirming Qatar’s leading role in advancing the Arab media scene.