File photo
Doha: Qatar is working to empower priority care groups, foster long-term independence and expand specialised support systems under the Third National Development Strategy.
The commitments were set out by the National Planning Council, custodian of NDS3, in an explainer published on its channels. They sit under the strategy's Cohesive Society outcome, which covers family, social integration and community participation.
At the centre is a change in how services are organised. NDS3 commits to consolidating services for priority care groups onto integrated platforms and expanding their reach, so that support is easier to access and reaches more of those who need it.
The strategy also shifts the emphasis from assistance to independence. Skill-building programmes and digital inclusion initiatives are being developed to enable priority care groups to achieve sustainable independence rather than relying on support alone.
For children, NDS3 introduces mandatory assessments in schools to identify those requiring additional support early, so that appropriate care is in place from a young age.
For persons with disabilities, Qatar is expanding its social centres, and the strategy carries a 2030 target of 30 percent of persons with disabilities economically active, opening greater opportunities in the labour market and in community life.
For the elderly, NDS3 provides for a home-based social care initiative, enabling them to receive the support they need in familiar surroundings and alongside their families.
Better support requires dedicated professionals. The strategy sets a target of 35 licensed social workers per 100,000 people, raising the quality of the social support system nationwide.
NDS3 is the third national development strategy under Qatar National Vision 2030. Implementation sits with the relevant ministries and service entities, with the National Planning Council responsible for coordinating and monitoring delivery.
