Qatar National Day/ Minister of Health to QNA: National Day Embodies Bright Mark in Immortal History of Qatar, Occasion to Commemorate Distinguished Achievements

Doha, December 16 (QNA) - HE Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, said that National Day represents a cherished occasion for all the people of Qatar, as it embodies a bright mark in our immortal history in which we commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Qatar on solid foundations at the hands of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani , and the loyal sons of Qatar. HE added in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that on this occasion we are inspired by the highest meanings of faith and determination to work sincerely in an immortal patriotic spirit to provide the best for our homeland and our nation. HE extended her warmest congratulations and blessings to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani , to HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and to HH the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani and to all the honorable Qatari people on National Day She explained that the State of Qatar has established a strong, world-class health system centered around the importance of comprehensive health coverage for all members of society, thanks to the unlimited support from the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The health sector works to improve the health of the Qatari community and meet the needs of citizens, residents, and visitors, and raise its services to the highest international levels, and to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030. She added that the public health sector has witnessed an expansion of health facilities and efficient workforce to meet the needs of the population, and statistics show that by the end of November 2023, the number of hospitals and long-term care facilities in the public sector reached (19) hospitals and facilities. The number of health centers in the public sector (including centers affiliated with the Primary Health Care Corporation and centers managed by the Qatar Red Crescent in accordance with an agreement with the Ministry of Public Health) increased to 35 centers distributed across the various regions of the country, including 6 health and wellness centers, and the total number of health workforce in the public sector reached 29,960 health workers. She pointed out that, on the other hand, the private health sector witnessed a significant expansion by the end of November 2023, the number of its facilities had increased to reach 10 hospitals, 21 one-day surgery centers, and 417 general and specialized health centers, including dental centers, in addition to 319 diagnostic centers, including medical laboratories, diagnostic radiology centers, dental and vision laboratories, 140 individual and corporate clinics, 135 health and nursing agencies, and 1,251 first aid units. The total number of health workforce in the private sector reached 21,417 health workers. HE the Minister of Health indicated that public health indicators show the significant improvement in the health of the population in the State of Qatar, as the average life expectancy rose to (80.3) years in 2021, and the State of Qatar also ranked first in the health and well-being index within the sustainable development goals at the level of the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region for 2022. She said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 represented an opportunity to enhance physical and psychological health, in addition to the great work to respond efficiently to the health requirements of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and provide appropriate health services to visitors and residents. The tournament contributed to creating a sustainable legacy that we were keen to benefit from locally and globally, the signing of a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization, FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy contributed to strengthening the efforts that resulted in making the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 the safest and healthiest in history, and a model for ensuring that huge sporting events in the future are healthy and safe. Her Excellency also spoke about the strategic achievements, as the health sector paid attention to developing health services and technologies to ensure that all members of society receive advanced care that meets all their health needs. Examples of the important achievements achieved within the Second National Health Strategy include a greater focus on prevention and wellness, improving access to care, and developing services for groups most in need of care, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and mental health. One of the most recent launches in the strategic field is the launch of the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 "Excellence for All", which is based on the strong foundations that were established through the National Cancer Strategy 2011-2016 and the National Cancer Framework 2017-2022, both of which have contributed to achieving excellence in the care of cancer patients in the country, as the State of Qatar is considered the first in the world in which the patient receives secondary medical care from a specialist within 48 hours immediately after he is suspected of having cancer, while the disease is diagnosed within two weeks, and treatment is provided within another two weeks.