Latest news with #PrimaryHealthCareCorporation
Qatar Tribune
15-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Centre takes medical outreach to 340 workers
QNA Doha The Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, affiliated with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, organised an educational medical programme for 340 workers from Qatari Diar and Qatar Building Company (QBC). The initiative, held at the centre's branch in the Workers' City, was conducted in cooperation with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and aims to enhance health and cultural awareness among workers by delivering outreach services at their places of residence and work. The programme welcomed workers of various nationalities and included comprehensive medical examinations, free medication distribution, and educational lectures on general health topics, emphasising prevention and self-care. Participants were also introduced to Islamic culture and Qatari values, with dedicated time for open dialogue and responding to questions. This initiative aligns with the centre's vision to reach target communities and migrant labour groups in their workplaces, improving their quality of life across health, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, in line with the ministry's mission to foster compassion and social solidarity. Organisers affirmed the programme's reflection of institutional synergy in serving the community, praising the medical support provided by volunteer doctors and nurses from the Primary Health Care Corporation, as well as their provision of necessary medicines and supplies under the corporation's supervision. The centre described this collaboration as a successful example of institutional integration in delivering humanitarian, educational, and health services, valuing the dedication of healthcare staff and volunteers who actively supported this segment of workers out of social and humanitarian responsibility. The Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre continues to deliver diverse programming for all sectors of society, particularly workers, through religious, cultural, and medical awareness initiatives in partnership with relevant entities, promoting a cohesive society rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Qatar Tribune
08-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC warns of serious health risks linked to smokeless tobacco use
DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has strongly warned against the health risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco, particularly 'Sweika', a substance mistakenly believed by many to be less harmful than smoking. Sweika, also known as 'Shamma' or 'Tombak', is a harmful habit involving a specially processed form of tobacco often mixed with nicotine and sodium bicarbonate. It is used by placing it inside the mouth for a period before disposal. Dr Jinan Mohammed Suleiman, a family physician at PHCC, emphasized that Sweika poses serious health threats. "Many people wrongly believe that Sweika is a safer alternative to smoking. In reality, the direct exposure of certain areas of the mouth to tobacco increases the risk of severe health complications, which are not limited to the oral cavity but also extend to the esophagus, colon, pancreas, and bladder, due to the absorption and ingestion of tobacco juices," she said. Dr Suleiman explained that the use of Sweika is associated with a range of health issues that make it a dangerous practice. Users may experience impaired taste perception, which negatively affects their quality of life. Additionally, it increases the risk of gum inflammation, tartar buildup, and tooth decay, as Sweika facilitates the adherence of plaque to teeth and causes dark discoloration, turning them brown or black. She further noted that Sweika can lead to elevated blood pressure and narrowing of the coronary blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks. In the most severe cases, its prolonged use has been linked to higher rates of cancers affecting the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, gums, stomach, and pancreas, among the most alarming consequences of this habit. PHCC has taken proactive steps to support individuals seeking to quit tobacco in all its forms, including smokeless tobacco. It offers specialized tobacco cessation clinics that provide medical consultations and ongoing support from trained physicians. Appointments can be easily booked by calling PHCC's customer service number or through a referral from a treating physician, ensuring accessible and effective medical support. These clinics offer various treatment options, including behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions. Among these are nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patches, which help maintain stable nicotine levels throughout the day to reduce dependence, and varenicline, a medication that targets specific receptors in the brain to diminish the pleasurable effects of nicotine and support the decision to quit. PHCC physicians tailor treatment plans based on individual assessments, taking into account the patient's health status and degree of addiction to determine the most appropriate therapy.
Qatar Tribune
02-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC to host 6th International Primary Health Care Conference in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will host the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) – Qatar 2025, from November 27 to 29, 2025, under the patronage of Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud,, the corporation has announced. This year's conference will be held under the theme: 'Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care'. The event will bring together around 1,000 participants, including distinguished speakers, healthcare professionals, influential policymakers, leading researchers, academics, students, and stakeholders from the Gulf region, the Arab world, and across the globe. Recognised as one of the most prestigious medical gatherings in the Middle East, IPHCC is expected to feature high-level participation and a wide range of discussions and presentations on key topics led by experts and specialists from various countries, alongside prominent speakers from Qatar. The conference aims to foster an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge in the field of primary health care. Dr. Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, managing director of PHCC and Chair of Conference Organizing Committee, said: 'We are pleased to host the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference in Qatar, which will bring together a diverse group of experts to collaborate, share knowledge, ideas, and visions that inspire development and innovation in the field of primary health care.' The organising committees have worked diligently to prepare for this major event, ensuring the highest standards of hospitality and event organisation that reflect the esteemed reputation of Qatar. The conference will cover a wide range of key topics presented through lectures and scientific discussions, offering opportunities for exchanging expertise and best medical practices. These topics include Translating Research into Primary Care Practice, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Primary Health Care, Sustaining Quality and Safety in Primary Health Care System, Healthcare Ethics and Law, Interprofessional Integration and Collaboration, Preventative Care for All, Primary Health Care of Priority Population, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Primary Health Care, as well as many other subjects. Conference participants will also have the opportunity to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. In addition, professionals and experts are encouraged to submit their scientific abstracts through the official conference website:
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC receives 16,867 visitors at on-call health centres during Eid Al Adha holiday
Tribune News Network Doha The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced that its health centres received 16,867 visitors during the Eid Al Adha holiday period from June 5 to 9, 2025. Services were provided through 21 on-call health centres located across various regions. The services offered included specialised clinics, urgent care units, and telemedicine consultations, all aimed at ensuring the continuity of healthcare for both citizens and residents. The reported total includes all visitors received at Family Medicine Clinics, which stood at 7,528 patients, while General Dentistry Clinics received 896 visitors. This figure also covers all cases handled by the Urgent Care Units in 12 health centres, namely: Al Mashaf, Al Sadd, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Al Ruwais, Al Sheehaniya, Al Kaaban, Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither, Umm Slal, Leabaib, and Al Karaana. These units attended to a total of 6,560 cases, each managed according to its specific medical urgency. The PHCC said that a number of specialized clinic services were also made available during the holiday, including: • Ophthalmology Clinic: 241 visitors • ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Clinic: 215 visitors • Dermatology Clinic: 207 visitors • Pre-Marital Screening Clinic: 36 visitors These services were provided at the Leabaib, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Mashaf, and Al Wajbah health centres. Additionally, pharmacy, radiology, and laboratory services were available throughout the holiday. PHCC's Community Call Centre also delivered 455 virtual medical consultations (both video and audio) via the '16000' hotline, helping expedite care for urgent cases and ensuring timely prescriptions without delay. The PHCC emphasised its commitment to welcoming patients without delay at all on-call centres, maintaining minimal waiting times in line with the National Health Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. It reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality healthcare services, strengthening the overall healthcare system in the country.
Qatar Tribune
21-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC announces the launch of ICOPE clinic at QU Health Centre
Tribune News Network Doha The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has officially announced the launch of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Clinic at Qatar University Health Centre on Thursday, May 15, 2025, a new step forward in expanding services dedicated to the elderly population. This expansion follows the successful implementation of the service in three other health centres where the clinic is already active: Leabaib: Mondays, 8am to 1pm; Al Wajba: Wednesdays, 8am to 1pm; and Rawdat Al Khail: Thursdays, 8am to 1pm. The launch of the clinic at Qatar University Health Centre marks a significant addition, reaffirming the success of the initiative and the effectiveness of its services in supporting the health of older adults. What is the ICOPE Screening Tool? The ICOPE screening tool was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the various physiological changes associated with aging. The risks of experiencing declines in physical and mental capacities increase for older adults. In collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the pilot phase of this service will be targeted at older people aged 60 and above. The clinic offers a person-centred, integrated care model managed by a multidisciplinary team. The Screening Tool Assesses: Visual impairment, hearing loss, cognitive decline and depressive symptoms, malnutrition, and mobility loss and falls. Currently, the service is available only to registered patients at Qatar University Health Centre. Eligible patients are identified and invited to undergo screening. PHCC will announce at a later stage when the service is expanded to accept referrals from all health centres. The clinic operates every Thursday from 8am to 1pm at Qatar University Health Centre.
