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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) concluded a four-day workshop on Health System Performance Assessment (HSPA) Indicators at the Itqan Simulation and Training Centre.The event brought together more than 300 participants from the public, private and semi-public health sectors. Sixteen speakers from the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation contributed to the programme.The workshop focused on strengthening a shared, data-driven approach to understanding how Qatar’s health system performs, a statement said. Sessions covered key areas such as patient safety, access to care, clinical effectiveness and system capacity.Participants explored how indicators are defined, measured and interpreted, and discussed how these insights can be used to improve services for patients and communities.The event provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with indicator owners, clarify reporting methods and promote consistency across facilities. The MoPH highlighted that standardised and benchmarked performance measurement remains essential to achieving excellence in healthcare.The workshop marked an important step in supporting this commitment, the statement added. 

The National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), part of Hamad Medical Corporation, has announced the granting of official accreditation by the Arab Board of Health Specialisations (ABHS) to Qatar, with the NCCCR as a recognised training centre for the Medical Oncology Fellowship Programme.This accreditation reflects the NCCCR’s dedication to excellence in cancer education, clinical training, and professional advancement.Through this recognition, NCCCR further strengthens its position as a regional leader in oncology training, enabling physicians from Qatar and across the Arab world to pursue specialised medical oncology education that meets international standards. 

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) honoured the winners of its research and medical competitions at the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference following the success across scientific, organisational, and community levels.The ceremony was attended by Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, PHCC managing drector, alongside a number of officials and senior administrators, in recognition of the efforts of research teams, outstanding projects, and participating university students.Also present were Musallam Mubarak al-Nabit, assistant managing director, Administration and Corporate Services, PHCC; Dr Mohammed Ghaith al-Kuwari, assistant managing director, Strategy and Business Development at PHCC; Dr Zelaikha al-Wahedi, assistant managing director of Quality and Workforce Development at PHCC; and Dr Samya al- Abdullah, assistant managing director, Operations and Clinical Affairs, also participated in distributing awards and certificates to the winners.A total of 72 projects were evaluated over two stages, and the best were selected based on rigourous criteria. The project “Right Care in the Right Place” from Al Wakra Health Centre won the award for Best Project in Corporate Excellence and Efficiency, in recognition of its role in improving service efficiency and facilitating patients’ access to appropriate care. The award was received by Dr Ameena Ibrahim Fakhro, the health centre manager.In the category of Enhancing Clinical Outcomes, the project “Early Detection of Anaemia in 12-Month-Old Children” from Omar Bin Al Khattab Health Centre won, acknowledging its contribution to promoting children’s health through prevention and early detection.The award for Best Project in Patient Services Development went to “Optimal Utilisation of Antenatal Care Appointments” at Airport Health Centre, in recognition of its efforts to improve the patient experience and enhance the quality of care provided to expectant mothers.In the Community Engagement category, the scientific poster by Mahmoud Elthoukhy from Al Wakra Health Centre took first place, followed by Pinky Domingo in second, and Dr Taiba Silwan Aboud in third. Winners were chosen through electronic voting, reflecting broad community interaction with quality initiatives.The 6th IPHCC welcomed around 65 students from various health disciplines, representing three leading academic institutions: Qatar University, Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, and University of Doha for Science and Technology. This student participation brought a qualitative addition to the conference, infusing energy, diversity, and fresh perspectives that support the future of healthcare in the count. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)