Latest news with #TribuneNewsNetworkDohaHamadMedicalCorporation
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC highlights advanced diagnostics, and treatment on World Allergy Week
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Allergy and Clinical Immunology Division is marking World Allergy Week 2025 by highlighting the range of specialised services it provides to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care for individuals affected by allergic and immunological conditions. The division specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions, lik asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, drug allergies, insect venom allergy, anaphylaxis, and eosinophilic esophagitis. It serves adults and children by combining expert clinical knowledge with advanced diagnostic technologies to improve patients' quality of life. 'This World Allergy Week, we want to emphasise that allergies are serious medical conditions that can impact the quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, they are highly manageable,' said Dr. Asaad Imameldin, specialist Allergy/Immunology and Internal Medicine. 'Accurate diagnosis is key to effective allergy management, and our approach combines advanced diagnostic testing with personalised treatment plans, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their specific allergies,' he added. The division offers a range of cutting-edge diagnostic methods, including skin prick testing, intradermal testing, patch testing, serum-specific IgE blood tests, oral food challenges, drug provocation testing, and spirometry for lung function assessment. Treatment plans are personalised to each patient's specific allergies and lifestyle, with options ranging from medication management and allergen avoidance counselling to immunotherapy and biologic therapies for severe conditions. Emergency action plans are developed for patients at risk of severe reactions, including the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and usage training. Patient education remains a cornerstone of the division's approach, with emphasis on teaching patients and families about allergy prevention and management through awareness programs, informational materials and personalized counselling. There are also educational programmes to guide patients on how to recognise symptoms early, avoid triggers and manage emergencies. Patients experiencing allergic condition symptoms or severe reactions are encouraged to seek consultation at HMC's Allergy and Clinical Immunology Division for early diagnosis and treatment that can significantly improve quality of life.
Qatar Tribune
14-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC hosts first event to support head and neck cancer survivors
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to comprehensive cancer care by hosting its inaugural Patient Awareness Programme, titled 'Enhancing the Quality of Life of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer – A Patient Engagement Event'. The event took place at Bayt Al Dhiyafah, bringing together medical professionals, cancer survivors and caregivers for an in-depth exploration of survivourship, functional recovery and psychosocial support. Led by Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, deputy chief of rehabilitation, geriatrics, and long-term care services at HMC, and Mohamed Shafi, head of the Oncology and Lymphedema Physiotherapy Department at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), the event represented a pioneering step in patient engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration. The programme featured a series of presentations by clinical experts alongside powerful testimonials from patients who shared their personal experiences with recovery and resilience. The event featured the participation of three distinguished leaders who delivered remarks that underscored the significance of integrated cancer care. Dr Mohamed Ussama Al Homsi, senior consultant and deputy medical director of education, clinical research and quality, at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), emphasised the crucial role of education and research in advancing rehabilitation practices and enhancing patient outcomes. Noora Rashid Essa Al-Mudahka, assistant executive director of clinical services and physiotherapy at HMC, highlighted the initiative as a reflection of forward-thinking rehabilitation practices that support a more compassionate, patient-centred model of care. Dr Hussain Ali Al-Enazi, senior consultant in ENT and head and neck surgery, emphasised that healing extends beyond surgery and that collaboration with physiotherapists, speech and dietetics specialists, and mental health professionals is crucial in restoring a patient's quality of life. Throughout the meeting, a diverse team of professionals from various specialties -- ranging from ENT surgery, cranio-maxillofacial surgery, radiation oncology, clinical dietetics and physiotherapy to speech therapy, psychotherapy and oncology nursing -- offered insights into best practices in holistic cancer care. Their contributions underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and the collective responsibility to empower patients throughout their treatment journey. Reflecting on the event, Mohamed Shafi described the meeting as more than an awareness initiative, calling it a transformative step toward integrated, person-centred care in oncology. He emphasised the significance of creating a platform where professionals and patients come together to build a more hopeful, collaborative and supportive path forward. This inaugural gathering marks a transformative step in HMC's broader mission to enhance cancer survivourship outcomes by expanding access to evidence-based rehabilitation services and fostering a culture of holistic healing rooted in empathy, innovation and teamwork.
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
HMC receives Digital Innovation Award at Google Cloud Summit
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was honoured with the Digital Innovation Award at the second Google Cloud Annual Summit in Doha. The award recognises HMC's pioneering initiatives in leveraging advanced technologies to enhance healthcare delivery. Dr Amal Abdulla, chief of health information and communications technology, received the award on behalf of HMC from HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The summit served as a platform to celebrate Qatar's progress in digital transformation and showcase the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cloud technology. Dr Abdulla emphasized that HMC's adoption of AI technology played a central role in securing the award. 'Among the key achievements include the establishment of the AI Center of Excellence, which lays the foundation for HMC's journey toward AI-driven SMART hospital frameworks. This includes ongoing development of the Innovation Hub and a tailored AI Innovation Framework to prioritise and implement AI initiatives, improving patient care and operational efficiency. These transformative efforts highlight HMC's leadership vision and commitment to innovation and excellence in health care.' 'This award reflects HMC's ongoing commitment to harnessing advanced technology to enhance the patient experience. It is recognition of the hard work and innovation of everyone at HMC who has contributed to these transformative initiatives,' added Dr Abdulla.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC raises bar for accessible,specialised mental health care
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) continues to strengthen its position as the leading provider of specialist mental health care services in Qatar and one of the leading providers in the region. With a recent focus on expanding access and improving quality, HMC delivers a wide range of services across the country, bringing expert mental health care closer to communities and making support easier to access for all. 'Our mental health services have expanded significantly in recent years, both in terms of the number of services available and the quality of care delivered,' said Dr Majid Al Abdulla, chair of mental health at HMC. 'We are proud to offer evidence-based, patient-centred care, led by expert teams and supported by modern facilities. HMC's Mental Health Service is accredited by the Joint Commission International, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care. HMC has become a regional leader in mental health care, committed to supporting the needs of our population.' One of the most significant recent developments has been the expansion of HMC's inpatient mental health services at Mesaieed General Hospital. To bring services closer to where people live, HMC has also partnered with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to establish integrated mental health clinics in eight primary health centres. These clinics allow patients to access psychiatry and psychology services in a familiar and non-stigmatising environment, alongside their regular physical healthcare. The integrated clinics in PHCC cover multiple specialist areas, including adult psychiatry, ADHD, and older adult mental health. These services are delivered in close collaboration between HMC psychiatrists and PHCC teams, ensuring high-quality, coordinated care. HMC also offers outpatient services at multiple locations including Hamad General Hospital, Mesaieed General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, and Muaither addition to physical outpatient clinics, HMC has expanded its virtual care services. The National Mental Health Helpline (telephone 16000) offers immediate access to trained mental health professionals. Patients can also attend follow-up psychiatric appointments remotely using secure telehealth platforms, making it easier for people to continue their care from home. Specialist virtual services, such as the Women's Mental Health Service, provide confidential support tailored to the unique needs of different patient groups. 'The key to improving mental health outcomes is early intervention and making access to care easy and stigma-free,' said Amal Alobaidli, acting executive director of nursing at the Mental Health Service. 'Our recent strategy has prioritised providing mental health services in the heart of communities across Qatar. The integrated clinics and the National Mental Health Helpline mean anyone in Qatar can reach a mental health professional quickly and conveniently, when they need it most.' With its wide network of services, skilled teams, and dedication to accessible care, HMC is leading the way in delivering high-quality mental health services for the people of Qatar.
Qatar Tribune
01-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC urges tobacco users to take 1st step towards tobacco-free life
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) on Saturday joined the world in observing World No Tobacco Day, held annually on May 31. HMC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the community by providing accessible and effective tobacco cessation services. On World No Tobacco Day 2025, HMC has urged all tobacco users to take the first step towards a tobacco-free life. Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, director of Tobacco Control Center, a WHO Collaborating Center at HMC, stated, 'World No Tobacco Day provides an important platform to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of supporting tobacco users to quit the habit. 'Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern in Qatar. While prevalence rates have seen some decline, continued efforts are crucial,' he said. 'According to the most recent figures, approximately 25 percent adults in Qatar are current tobacco users. This underscores the need for accessible and effective cessation services.' Dr Al Mulla said it is important to note that the dangers of tobacco extend beyond traditional cigarettes and examine the harmful effects of other tobacco products including: E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These electronic devices deliver nicotine, with harmful cancer-causing additives and flavourings, and are particularly popular among youth. Heated Tobacco Products: These products heat tobacco to produce an inhalable aerosol, but are not risk-free. Nicotine pouches: These products contain nicotine in varying amounts, flavourings and other ingredients and are placed in the mouth. They are available in a variety of flavors and are marketed as safe and of reduced harm. Smokeless Tobacco: Products like chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus are placed in the mouth and absorbed, and can cause oral cancer and other health problems. Waterpipe (Shisha, Hookah): Often perceived as less harmful, waterpipe smoking involves inhaling smoke through water, and carries significant health risks. HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics play a vital role in supporting individuals who want to quit. The clinics offer a comprehensive range of services, including: Individualized Counseling: Tailored support from trained specialists to address the specific needs of each person. Medical Assessment: Evaluation of health status and any tobacco-related conditions. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Provision of NRT products (e.g., patches, lozenges) to manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Medication Therapy: Prescription of non-nicotine medications, when appropriate, to aid in quitting. Follow-up Support and education resources: Ongoing monitoring and encouragement to help individuals maintain their tobacco-free status. 'Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health,' said Dr Al Mulla. 'At HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics, we provide evidence-based treatments and compassionate support to help people overcome their addiction and live healthier tobacco-free lives. We encourage anyone who wants to quit to reach out to us. We are here to help.' How to Get HelpcTracking:> Individuals seeking support to quit tobacco use can contact the HMC Tobacco Cessation Clinics through the following channels: Phone: Call or message us on 5080 0959/4025 4981or call Nesma'ak on 16060 Primary Health Care Centers: Referrals can be made through primary health care centres.
