The health sector in Qatar has witnessed great development in recent years with the inauguration of a number of new health facilities and the adoption of latest technologies.
Qatar lays emphasis on the vision of Health for All. The country believes that the health and well-being of people lies in not only ensuring an easy access to high-quality medical services for all citizens and residents, but also in making sure that they live in an environment conducive to good health.
Qatar is the first country whose all municipalities have earned the title of ‘Healthy City’ from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Qatar’s approach to Health for All has delivered tremendous results. Since 2014, the country has seen a continual fall in infant mortality rates, while the life expectancy of the population has risen.
The country ranks highly in Universal Health Coverage Index, a global indicator assessing how countries provide access to quality health services, promote the well-being of families and communities and protect against public health crises.
The progress made in the health sector in the Qatar received global recognition in 2022 with five hospitals being ranked among the top 250 academic medical centres in the world and two hospitals among the top 100.
The 76th World Health Assembly has elected Qatar for the membership of the Executive Board of the WHO for a three-year term, representing Eastern Mediterranean region. Besides, the Ministry of Public Health received the WHO award for World No Tobacco Day in recognition of its efforts to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a smoke-free tournament and applying strict measures to combat smoking inside and outside stadiums and fan areas.
The number of hospitals in the public sector in Qatar has increased to 16, compared to six hospitals in 2011, when the first national health strategy was launched. The number of health centres in the public sector, including centres affiliated to the Primary Health Care Corporation, and centres run by the Qatar Red Crescent have increased to 33, compared to 24 centres in 2011.
Qatar has supported many countries in the region and the world through its charitable work to promote health for all around the world and provided medical support for the victims of floods in Pakistan, earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria and cardiac catheterisations for children in Bangladesh. Qatar also pledged $20m for the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI).
