Qatar has put in place a world-class healthcare system for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, expanding the hospital network across the country and boosting the workforce capacity. The country’s state-of-the-art healthcare was tested and performed exceedingly well during the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare sector also ensured, in cooperation with other authorities, health safety at some major tournaments held amid the pandemic, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani visited the National Health Incident Command Center at Hamad Medical Corporation’s Ambulance Service headquarters on Tuesday to inspect arrangements ahead of the World Cup kick-off on Sunday.
The Ministry of Public Health has worked extensively along with Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation, and healthcare providers in the private sector to ensure smooth delivery of medical services during the mega event, which is expected to draw around 1.5 million visitors to Qatar in November and December. Public and private healthcare providers have said they are ready to deal with any surge in the number of patients during the World Cup. Fifteen major private medical facilities will provide urgent and emergency care round the clock.
Visitors with Hayya Card can access emergency and urgent medical services at HMC facilities free of charge throughout the tournament. These services will be provided at Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Hamad General Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital. The authorities have also ensured continuity of regular healthcare services for the population throughout the tournament.
Throughout the World Cup, there will be a mobile command unit and dedicated crews to respond to major incidents at each stadium on match days, which will be supported by a regular ambulance service. There will also be a major mobile incident response unit in each stadium on match days to set up a temporary field treatment site with a variety of air-conditioned tents. Authorities are also deploying over 60 mobile medical teams comprising critical care teams and first responders at major fan activity zones along the Doha Corniche and Al Bidda Park. There will be more than 100 clinics near the stadiums and key accommodation sites. Emergency services will include mobile medical teams, critical care teams, first response teams and ambulances.
The Ministry of Public Health deserves praise for its years-long efforts for a safe and secure World Cup.
