Healthcare in Qatar

Many changes and improvements have been introduced since the country opened its first hospital over 60 years ago. Billions of dollars are being spent on improving and expanding Qatar's healthcare system to cope with the rise in population. According to the World Health Organization, Qatar is spending more money per capita on healthcare than any other country in the Gulf. The healthcare system is available to all – citizens, expatriates and visitors. The public healthcare service provides free or extremely subsidised healthcare; the exception to this may be treatment for highly specialised services.

Under the new health insurance law, visitors and residents require proof of medical insurance. Residents should check with their employer to see what health insurance is provided, or contact one of the insurance companies to take extra personal cover – see Day to Day Qatar in this section for a list of companies.

Healthcare News

HPV vaccine added to approved list in Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has added the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the list of approved vaccines in Qatar to protect community members from cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is used in 125 countries in their national immunisation programmes.

The HPV vaccine in Qatar can protect against 9 types of HPV which account for around 95% of cervical cancer causes and around 90% of warts. The primary target of the HPV vaccine is girls and boys aged 11–26 years. For the age group 11–14, the vaccine will be given in two doses, and for 15–26, three doses. The vaccine will be given free of charge at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) centres and the Communicable Disease Center.

MoPH introduces training for food handlers

The MoPH, in cooperation with Qatar Chamber and Qatar Tourism, has launched a training programme to certify and authorise food handlers and their supervisors at food facilities in order to obtain permits. The food handling permit is valid for three years, renewable under certain conditions. The MoPH began a pilot phase of the programme two years ago, to educate food handlers on food safety to enhance the level of public health. The first full phase of the project extends to June 2024 and includes all hotels and restaurants in tourist areas.

Qatar elected President of WHO Executive Board

In June, the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) elected the State of Qatar as President of the Board at its 153rd session for one year. HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, was elected to membership in the Executive Board of the World Health Organization as a representative of the Eastern Mediterranean Region for three years.

The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly. The Board's 34 members are technically qualified in the field of health and meet at least twice a year.

PHCC introduces cupping therapy service

The PHCC has introduced a cupping therapy service, known as hijama, under a pilot phase at Umm Slal Health Center to improve patients’ health, speed up the recovery process and ensure patients’ safety. Patients whose condition requires cupping therapy include those with chronic headache due to unknown causes, refractory migraine, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle imbalance and postural dysfunction, refractory muscle spasms, neck and upper or lower back pain, and chronic diseases like eczema, asthma, and acne.

Cupping therapy is safe for most people, leaving some traces on skin as well as side effects associated with bruises and skin itching. Patients should recover within 7 to 10 days although there may be residual persistent skin colour change. For a list of non-PHCC facilities offering cupping, see Spas and Beauty Centres in the Hospitality, Hotels and Dining section.

Evening appointments now available

HMC has introduced evening appointments to provide specialised care faster. Clinics include the Bariatric Surgery Department, ophthalmology, ENT, urology and audiology at the Ambulatory Care Center, and orthopaedics at the Bone and Joint Center. This should reduce waiting times and improve the use of clinics at HMC facilities. Patients can call 16060, the Nesma'ak helpline, 24/7 to arrange, change or cancel appointments.