DOHA: More than 80 percent of foreigners who were denied residential permits and repatriated last year on health grounds were women, Medical Commission data shows.
A total of 6,482 people, including 5,274 women, were found unfit during mandatory medical check-ups for residential permits, Al Sharq reported.
Women were also diagnosed with Aids, but were less in number compared to men. Of the 194 people who tested HIV positive, 141 were men and 53 women.
Active tuberculosis virus was detected in 269 people, including 238 men and 31 women, while 2,125 people were found to be suffering from the disease.
A total of 452 workers were found infected with hepatitis B and 83 with hepatitis C and 3,353 were found unfit following x-ray of the chest.
Newly recruited workers undergo two tests — x-ray of the chest and blood check-up, Dr Ibrahim Al Shar, Director of the commission, told the daily.
Chest x-ray is the same for all categories of workers to check TB but blood tests are different for different segments.
However, blood tests for HIV/Aids is mandatory for all.
People working at eateries, food outlets and health facilities as well as domestic helps must undergo additional tests for hepatitis B and C and other infectious diseases.
People found infected with active TB virus are referred to Hamad Medical Corporation for treatment before leaving the country but those having Aids are deported immediately.
People with a previous TB infection may be repatriated if they don’t belong to categories that have special skills and expertise.
Unlike other GCC countries, Qatar does not deport expat workers who get HIV/Aids or tuberculoses during their stay in the country.
On the contrary, they are provided with proper medical services and treatment, said Al Shar. The Peninsula
