Qatar’s plans to further strengthen its health care facilities by rolling out a raft of new hospitals, medical centres and services will help the state to get closer to international best practice in terms of beds per population and to deliver improved access to those services, said Public Health Minister Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari.

In an interview to a team from Oxford Business Group (OBG) for its The Report: Qatar 2017 publication, the minister also spoke on a move to increase the focus on preventative health care and promote healthier lifestyles, in line with the country’s new National Health Strategy 2017-2022.

Al Kuwari highlighted the key role that preventative initiatives, such as raising awareness in schools about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise, could play in helping the ministry get its messages across.
 
“This is important work. Today one in six of the adult population has diabetes, which can have a great impact on their quality of life. Without change the number of people with diabetes will potentially double over the next 40 years — impacting more people and their families and putting more pressure on the health system,” she told OBG.

Al Kuwari added that as well as opening several new hospitals and medical centres, Qatar had also successfully attracted “record-breaking numbers of staff” to come and work in its health care facilities.

The minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that activity across the health system was carefully coordinated, to help make best use of resources and continue improving patient care.

The Report: Qatar 2017 will map out the rapid development taking place across the country’s health care services, charting the wave of new openings in 2016 and others planned for the coming months, which include four health centres, three hospitals, an expansion of the Hamad General Trauma and Emergency Department and Sidra inpatient facilities. The publication will also highlight the growing role that the private sector is playing as a provider of local healthcare services.

OBG’s report will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. The publication will contain a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors, alongside contributions from leading personalities. It will be available in print and online, said a statement. – TradeArabia News Service