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Qatar Global Health Insurance / Healthcare System News |
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Qatar’s healthcare system has improved dramatically since the country’s first medical facility opened over 50 years ago. The health industry in Qatar is first rate, and is comparable to the all the best developed countries in the world. The industry enjoys the some of the most high tech and advanced medical equipment, highly qualified medical professionals, a strong nationwide network of hospitals and medical centers and a cardiology department that is ranked by specialists as one of the best in the world. The figures of the country’s general health are also proof of these high levels of quality. The infant mortality rate is 12.66 deaths per 1000 live births, and this ranks 140th in the world. The birth rate is 15.61 births per 1000 persons, ranking 136th globally. Finally, the death rate is 2.46 deaths per 1000 persons, which ranks as one of the lowest death rates in the world. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country is less than 0.09%, which ranks lower on the list of people living with the illness. All these figures reiterate Qatar’s general good health standing in the world.
A lot of the nation’s successes in the healthcare sector can be attributed to the establishment of a system that is able to provide for free or affordable healthcare to its citizens, as well as the large expatriate majority that lives in the country. In October of 1957, the Rumaillah Hospital commenced service as a 200-bed general hospital with emergency ambulance services and a significant outpatient facility. As the years went by, and Qatar's health requirements expanded, the country determined that a new direction was needed to respond to these new demands. It was through this that the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was created to make available cutting edge and up to date diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Since its inception in October 1979, HMC has transformed itself into Qatar's largest and most important non-profit healthcare supplier through its complex network of Primary Healthcare Centers and four exceedingly focused hospitals in the capital city of Doha. At these HMC sponsored locations, medical and dental care is free of charge for Qatari's and heavily state-subsidized for expatriates. To use the facilities, it is obligatory for residents and visitors to apply for a Qatar Riyal $100 health card, which allows them to charge small charges for a variety of medical exams and consultations including a nominal payment for inpatient care.
In addition to HMC, the Qatari government has also encouraged the private sector to play a larger role in providing healthcare the people of Qatar. The nation's first private hospital opened its doors at the end of 1999, and private practices and health clinics (including dental and medical) now provide a full range of medical services in many specialties including rheumatology, dermatology, reflexology, cardiology, urology and home nursing treatment. Laws dealing with private health services are stringent, and licensing by the Ministry of Public Health - which handles all medical services in the state - is compulsory for all institutions and each of their medical and nursing staff. Those being the case, private medical service facilities have extended to represent 67% of al the country's health services providers, helping to ease the burden on HMC and the Primary Health Care Centers.
For the foreign visitor and expatriate, there are a number of heath and medical issues to consider while visiting in Qatar for either work or pleasure. Common health problems for this group consist of alcoholism (particularly among bachelors, owing to seclusion and gloominess) and respiratory troubles caused by sand and dust particles churned up into the air, a situation exacerbated by continuous construction work in most states. Hard work and long hours in extremely hot temperatures can also have an effect on the immune system and jeopardize the body’s ability to counter any disease. Expatriates, especially outdoor workers, can suffer sunstroke and sunburn. You should not be forced to work outdoors if the temperature reaches beyond 50 degrees Celsius, which is common at the height of summer, although it is not typical for work to be halted under these extreme conditions. In the summer, humidity causes added discomfort beyond the extreme temperatures, and eye infections become prevalent during this time. Dehydration is also a threat and is a potentially fatal condition that should not be taken lightly. This condition can affect anyone outdoors, including but not limited to anyone partaking in outdoor sports or activities like tennis, swimming, jogging as well as more leisurely sports such as golf or even walking. The winter months that occur from October through March, however, offer some of the best weather anywhere on the planet, with continuous warm sunshine generating a feeling of well-being and providing the opportunity for a healthy outdoor lifestyle. The people of Qatar enjoy a world class health system and any visitors and expatriates living there will surely be able to take advantage of these services. That being said, it is important to obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to ensure that these excellent, yet expensive health services can be fully utilized while visiting the country.
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Qatar Global Health Insurance |
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When traveling or working as an expat in Qatar, global health insurance policies can provide you the medical benefits you need to ensure the safety of your family and finances. For more information about travel within Qatar, global health insurance plans and programs that we can provide there, or to receive a free quote, please contact our friendly experts for advice today. |
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