DOHA: Qatar, which has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan in health sector is facing stiff competition from other countries in the region in terms of attracting qualified healthcare professionals, the Minister of Public Health H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani (pictured) said yesterday.
He said there are plans to promote the private sector in healthcare and a clear picture will be available by the end of next year.
The three workers’ only hospitals being constructed in Industrial Area, Ras Laffan and Mesaieed are expected to be completed by the end of next year. The primary health centres have been classified into three categories as part of a new development strategy, said the Minister.
“One of the biggest challenges (in health sector) is to find qualified manpower amid competition in the region due to expansion. But still Qatar is able to compete and attract the best talents by developing a health system based on academic research and quality services,” said the Minister addressing a press conference yesterday to announce the awarding of work contracts for several healthcare projects.
On the expansion plans, the minister said these include four new hospitals — a cancer hospital, heart hospital, specialised hospital and one day surgery hospital.
Currently six new primary health centers are under construction and construction agreements for another four have been signed today, said the Minister. Design agreements for another five centers were also signed. Some health centers — Al Ghuwairia, Al Karana, Rawdath Al Khailwill - will be relocated while many others are being expanded or renovated.
Al Qahtani said each of the three workers’ hospitals under construction will have a capacity of 120 beds, that can be expanded to 217 beds. The Peninsula
These hospitals are expected to be handed over in December next year. There are exclusive heath centres to provide services to workers until this project is completed, he added.
About contracts signed with Ashghal, the Minister said companies should implement the projects within the deadline.
“ We are ready to cooperate with these companies to ensure quality and fast implementation of the projects,” said Al Qahtani.
The primary health care projects signed today are part of the PHCC strategy to cover different areas and diseases, he added.
This strategy has adopted three models — A-B-C — in providing the services. Model A provides the basic health services available in the current health centres. Health centres included in Model B will have specialized clinics demanded by the diseases in the area concerned, he explained.
Model C will provide health awareness and education to prevent diseases. This model is new in the region and the first such centre will be set up in Umm Salal by the end of next year.
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