DOHA: Al Hayat Medical Centre in Al Waab street has become the first polyclinic in Qatar to join the national health insurance scheme (NHIS).
A total of 30,780 Qatari women have been treated in the first phase of the mandatory scheme since its launch last July, according to data released by National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) for the first six months until January 17.
The centre joined the network of providers this month and more hospitals and clinics are expected to be added as the scheme expands, NHIC said in a statement yesterday.
Phase I is open to Qatari women aged 12 and above for maternity, obstetrics, gynaecology and related healthcare needs.
The beneficiaries included 5,672 inpatients and 25,118 outpatients at participating hospitals and clinics, while the call centre received about 2,269 enquiries during the first six months.
The NHIS network includes eight providers — HMC Women’s Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, Al Wakrah Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Cuban Hospital, and Al Hayat Medical Centre.
“The first six months have gone very smoothly despite the magnitude of changes NHIS heralds for large sections of the health sector,” said Dr Faleh Mohamed Hussain Ali, Acting CEO of NHIC, (pictured) which manages scheme.
Among NHIS’ successes is the maternity management programme that provides expecting mothers with information, counsel and practical advice on pregnancy, child-birth, and post-partum related issues.
“Response to the programme has been overwhelmingly positive with 328 women benefiting to date. Participants are supported by a team of trained nurses who counsel expecting mothers on an individual basis throughout their pregnancy and delivery,” said the statement.
In phase II, the scheme will cover all Qataris for a full range of basic services this year while subsequent stages will gradually incorporate expats and visitors.
Users will be able to select from a wide range of public and private healthcare providers for their needs.
Information and updates on the scheme are available at the NHIC website www.nhic.qa.
Members can also call the NHIC call centre on 4020 8444 or visit NHIC information booths at participating hospitals and at the Supreme Council of Health’s headquarters in Doha.
The Peninsula
