Qatar marks the World Health Day on April 7 every year with the rest of the world, highlighting its commitment to ensuring public health. The country’s constitution emphasises the state’s commitment to public health, mandating the provision of means to prevent and treat diseases and epidemics.
The nation puts the health of its entire community on top of its priorities. The country’s healthcare system is marked by its focus on the quality of services provided to people and meeting their needs in the best possible way. It has developed a world-class healthcare system and provides comprehensive health coverage for all community members. This year’s World Health Day theme is ‘My Health, My Right’, emphasising every person’s right to access health services and information, besides safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, adequate housing, decent work and suitable environmental conditions and freedom from discrimination.
On this occasion, Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the right to health for all residents. The state provides high-quality healthcare services, ensuring individuals receive the care they need whenever and wherever required. This approach is in line with Qatar’s National Vision and health strategies, which aim to promote and achieve sustainable development goals.
Al Kuwari said that under the wise directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the healthcare system has undergone significant development to meet the rising population’s healthcare needs. There has been a significant expansion in health facilities and infrastructure, competent workforce, and intensified focus on developing health services and technologies, while adhering to the highest standards of quality.
Qatar recorded one of the lowest mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of robust healthcare system and cooperation from all sectors.
The country’s preparedness to meet healthcare needs contributed to the success of major sporting events, notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which are considered among the healthiest sporting tournaments.
“In cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and local and international partners, both tournaments created a lasting legacy for health and sports,” Al Kuwari said.
Following the ‘Health in All Policies’ approach adopted by the Ministry of Public Health as part of the Second National Health Strategy, joint efforts were made by all the state sectors and the community to promote health and equity for all residents. Adopting this approach helped Qatar become the first country in the world to have all its municipalities awarded the Healthy City title by the World Health Organisation.
