DOHA: More than 21,000 babies were born last year across hospitals under Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), up 4.5 percent compared to 2013.
In recent years, HMC has placed emphasis on expanding care services, particularly maternity services, outside Doha through its three general hospitals in Dukhan, Al Wakra and Al Khor.
Al Wakra Hospital, with 3,673 births, recorded a 77 percent increase, Al Khor Hospital with 1,197 births (seven percent increase) and Cuban Hospital with 256 births (88 percent).
In 2014, one-quarter of all babies born across the HMC network were delivered at hospitals other than Women’s Hospital, a figure that has continued to increase in recent years.
Prior to the opening of Al Khor Hospital in 2006, Women’s Hospital was HMC’s sole provider of maternity services.
With Cuban and Al Wakra hospitals opening in 2012, there are now far greater options available for parents to decide where to deliver. Expectant mothers have benefitted from this greater choice, with many choosing to deliver at one of HMC’s general hospitals.
Mohamad Al Jusaiman, Deputy Chief, General Hospitals Group, HMC, said, “The expanding services provided outside Doha mean expectant mothers now have a greater choice of where to deliver, with specialist care services available closer to their homes.
“The growth and expansion of our maternity services in Dukhan, Al Wakra and Al Khor has enabled patients’ greater diversity of access to specialist maternity services, offered in a modern, beautiful environment.”
Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, HMC, said, “The fundamental principle of one system, multiple sites, means that patients can expect uniformly high standards of care wherever and whenever they choose to access HMC services.
“These standards apply to all obstetric and gynaecological services and neonatal and postnatal care, ensuring mothers and their babies are provided with excellent healthcare services throughout our hospitals.”
The Peninsula
