Latest news with #Watheq
Qatar Tribune
2 hours ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH launches third phase of food safety rating programme
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has recently launched the third phase of the Food Safety Rating Programme for Food Establishments in the State of Qatar. The programme aims to enhance compliance with food safety requirements across the country's various food establishments. It enables consumers to identify how well establishments are adhering to health regulations, based on the results of routine inspections. During this third phase, all food establishments that offer food services directly to consumers in Qatar will be included. The first and second phases of the programme previously covered hotels, restaurants in the tourism sector, and restaurants located within shopping malls. The ministry recently held a webinar to explain the requirements of the Food Safety Rating Programme for food establishments. This webinar formed part of the ongoing efforts by the MoPH's Food Safety Department to raise food safety standards through awareness and continuous collaboration among relevant stakeholders. The event saw wide participation, with over 600 representatives from food establishments attending. Key topics included an overview of the rating programme and its objectives, core standards and best practices for achieving a high food safety rating, practical guidance to help establishments comply with the programme, and a Q&A session with food safety experts. An interactive online survey was conducted during the seminar, with 201 participants taking part. The results reflected positive indicators of the seminar's success in meeting its objectives, and demonstrated strong enthusiasm among food establishment representatives to engage with the rating programme and meet its requirements. Under the implementation mechanism of the programme, each registered food establishment is subject to a minimum of three inspection visits. Additional visits are carried out as needed to ensure continued compliance. Food establishments are classified under the programme according to six grading levels: (1) Urgent Improvement Necessary, (2) Major Improvement Necessary, (3) Improvement Necessary, (4) Good, (5) Very Good, (6) Excellent. The classification results are published on the 'Watheq' online platform, enabling consumers to access the information. Food establishments may also display their rating at their premises. The development of the Food Safety Rating Programme for Food Establishments began following the adoption of a risk-based inspection mechanism, in collaboration with international consultants. The Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health designed the programme to ensure food establishments meet food safety standards. The design was informed by a comparative study of leading international experiences in the field and supported by a two-year field study to tailor the programme to Qatar's food safety and regulatory framework.
Qatar Tribune
2 hours ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
New programme to ensure establishments meet laid down food safety standards
Food establishments are classified under the programme according to six grading levels: (1) Urgent Improvement Necessary, (2) Major Improvement Necessary, (3) Improvement Necessary, (4) Good, (5) Very Good, (6) Excellent. The classification results are published on the 'Watheq' online platform, enabling consumers to access the information. Food establishments may also display their rating at their premises. The development of the Food Safety Rating Programme for Food Establishments began following the adoption of a risk-based inspection mechanism, in collaboration with international consultants. The Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health designed the programme to ensure food establishments meet food safety standards. The design was informed by a comparative study of leading international experiences in the field and supported by a two-year field study to tailor the programme to Qatar's food safety and regulatory framework.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH hosts workshop on enhanced care for Coeliac disease patients
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness, recently organised a workshop on 'The Role of Government and Private Institutions in the Care of Patients with Coeliac Disease'. The workshop was held at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City. The workshop saw broad attendance and active participation from representatives of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Foundation, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, as well as a number of owners of food establishments. The workshop was part of the Ministry of Public Health's efforts to enhance effective partnerships between concerned authorities and the community to support patients with Coeliac Disease in Qatar. Coeliac disease is a chronic digestive disorder where the immune system attacks body tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the intestines. The workshop aimed to highlight the daily challenges Coeliac disease patients face and develop sustainable and comprehensive support mechanisms to ensure they have access to safe, gluten-free food in line with public health standards. It also sought to open new avenues for cooperation and practical integration between various sectors to improve the quality of life for Coeliac patients in Qatar. Discussions during the workshop emphasised the importance of empowering institutions to fulfil their role in caring for Coeliac patients and providing a supportive environment. This includes offering suitable food products, improving registration and monitoring mechanisms, and enhancing nutritional education. The vital role of the Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness in supporting patients and communicating their needs to relevant authorities was also acknowledged. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Health's Food Safety Department presented a session during the workshop on registering and approving gluten-free products in the electronic food safety system 'Watheq'. They explained how to read product labels for gluten content, which helps patients and their families easily and safely select appropriate products. The representatives emphasised that Coeliac disease is not just a health condition but a way of life that requires societal awareness and collaboration across various sectors, including food, health, and legislation. The workshop also included awareness presentations by the Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness on the problems and obstacles patients face and the support needed from authorities. Additionally, representatives from the Clinical Nutrition Department at Hamad Medical Corporation delivered a presentation on the importance of nutritional interventions and dietary services for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Representatives from the Paediatric Gastroenterology Department at Sidra Medicine highlighted the issue of 'coeliac disease in children.'
Qatar Tribune
01-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Health ministry organises workshop to enhance care for patients with coeliac disease
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health recently, in collaboration with the Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness, organised a workshop on 'The Role of Government and Private Institutions in the Care of Patients with Coeliac Disease'. The workshop saw broad attendance and active participation from representatives of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Foundation, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, as well as a number of owners of food establishments. The workshop was part of the Ministry of Public Health's efforts to enhance effective partnerships between concerned authorities and the community to support patients with Coeliac Disease in Qatar. Coeliac disease is a chronic digestive disorder where the immune system attacks body tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the intestines. The workshop aimed to highlight the daily challenges Coeliac disease patients face and develop sustainable and comprehensive support mechanisms to ensure they have access to safe, gluten-free food in line with public health standards. It also sought to open new avenues for cooperation and practical integration between various sectors to improve the quality of life for Coeliac patients in Qatar. Discussions during the workshop emphasized the importance of empowering institutions to fulfil their role in caring for Coeliac patients and providing a supportive environment. This includes offering suitable food products, improving registration and monitoring mechanisms, and enhancing nutritional education. The vital role of the Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness in supporting patients and communicating their needs to relevant authorities was also acknowledged. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Health's Food Safety Department presented a session during the workshop on registering and approving gluten-free products in the electronic food safety system 'Watheq'. They explained how to read product labels for gluten content, which helps patients and their families easily and safely select appropriate products. The workshop also included awareness presentations by the Qatari Association for Coeliac Awareness on the problems and obstacles patients face and the support needed from authorities. Additionally, representatives from the Clinical Nutrition Department at Hamad Medical Corporation delivered a presentation on the importance of nutritional interventions and dietary services for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
Biz Bahrain
31-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation Announces National Bank of Bahrain as Sponsor of 'Watheq' University Preparatory Program and 'The Takeoff' Career Exhibition
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) has announced the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) as the official sponsor of both the 'Watheq' university preparatory program organized from 14th July to 20th August 2025 and 'The Takeoff' career exhibition, which is set to take place on 28th June 2025 at the Foundation's new headquarters in Riffa. Held as a one-day event, 'The Takeoff' exhibition marks its debut this year. It will bring together a group of local and international universities and feature interactive career stations that will allow students to experience various academic and professional disciplines through practical and mentoring activities. The exhibition will also include an AI-powered personalized assessment that will help students explore university majors that align with their skills, interests, and aspirations, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their academic and career journeys. The Takeoff exhibition is being organized in collaboration with several leading educational institutions in the Kingdom, including the American University of Bahrain, European University, Bahrain University of Technology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain, British University of Bahrain, Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, University of Bahrain, and Ahlia University. Meanwhile, the 'Watheq' program aims to empower Bahraini youth with practical capabilities and competencies essential to their professional and academic success. As part of its sponsorship, NBB will also financially support the participation of 120 high school students in The Takeoff exhibition, giving them direct access to university guidance and career exploration opportunities. Commenting on the partnership, Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation expressed her appreciation for NBB's continue support of the Watheq program. She commended the sponsorship's crucial role in achieving MKF's goals of equipping Bahraini youth with the capabilities they need to succeed through targeted initiatives focused on education, career guidance, and skills development. Her Highness highlighted MKF's keenness to expand this partnership further and maximize the positive impact of the Foundation's endeavors. Commenting on the sponsorship, Hisham Abu Alfateh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NBB said, 'We remain dedicated to empowering Bahrain's youth and supporting projects that prepare them academically and professionally. Our collaboration with MKF reflects our shared vision of investing in the potential of promising young Bahrainis. Through our sponsorship of the Watheq program and The Takeoff exhibition, we reaffirm our belief in the important part that youth play in cultivating a brighter future for the Bahraini job market.'
