Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Qatar’s healthcare landscape entered a transformative phase with the launch of the inaugural Qatar Medicare 2024 in Doha on Tuesday.
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and in partnership with Qatar Chamber, the three-day event serves as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations, fostering collaborations, and driving investments in the healthcare sector. Organised by International Fairs & Promotions (IFP Qatar), the first edition of Qatar’s international healthcare and medical trade exhibition and conferenceit brings together over 100 local and international companies, uniting stakeholders, experts, and investors to redefine the future of healthcare in Qatar andbeyond.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Preventive Programs at MoPH, alongside prominent figures including Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, secretary general of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, chair of the health committee at Qatar Chamber. Their participation highlights Qatar’s commitment to establishing a world-class healthcare system that integrates innovation andsustainability.
Speaking on the occasion, Al Ahmadani said, “The healthcare sector is a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, and the state is working tirelessly to build a high-quality, efficient healthcare system through the National Health Strategy 2024–2030 under the theme ‘Health for All.’ The private sector will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision, given its proven capabilities in delivering exceptional healthcareservices.”
She said, “Qatar Chamber is fully committed to encouraging investors and business owners to engage in healthcare and pharmaceutical projects, leveraging the sector’s investment-friendly environment. We are also dedicated to fostering collaboration between public and private entities to enhance sustainability and achieve self-sufficiency in medical services and pharmaceuticals.
“Qatar Medicare provides an exceptional platform for stakeholders in the healthcare sector to network, exchange ideas and expertise, and showcase the latest innovations and technological solutions in the field. This contributes to fostering collaboration and building new partnerships that benefit everyone involved.”
Al Emadi said, “We are pleased to take part in Qatar Medicare Exhibition, particularly following the successful conclusion of the QRCS’s second Annual Scientific Conference. This event provides an invaluable platform for exploring cutting-edge medical solutions and pioneering initiatives while offering opportunities to engage with representatives from local and international healthcare institutions, exchange expertise, and learn about innovations in health and emergency care. Participating in this event underscores our commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, enhancing collaboration with healthcare partners, and developing innovative projects that serve both Qatar and the global healthcare sector.”
The exhibition features the participation and sponsorship of a diverse range of key governmental and semi-governmental entities vital to Qatar’s healthcare sector. Key partners include Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation as official partners, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as the government partner, Al Jazira Healthcare Manufacturing Company as diamond sponsor, the Qatar Red Crescent Society and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar as the gold sponsors, and the Qatar Cancer Society as the silver sponsor.
Additionally, a broad array of private sector entities, including hospitals, medical centers, insurance companies, medical equipment suppliers and healthcare service providers, are actively involved, showcasing the seamless collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing healthcare in Qatar.
The exhibition showcases the latest healthcare innovations and technologies, presented by participating local and international entities, aiming to improve efficiency and quality of care, with an emphasis on digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, medical robotics, and electronic health records.
It also explores investment opportunities in Qatar’s healthcare sector and plans for expanding healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, it includes specialised workshops and accredited sessions tailored for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge of global best practices, while highlighting initiatives to improve healthcare services, including advances in primary care, disease prevention, and chronic disease management.
IFP Qatar General Manager Haidar Mshaimesh said, “The Qatar Medicare exhibition is an ideal platform for building partnerships between the public and private sectors in healthcare. Furthermore, it connects government entities like the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation with private companies, enabling networking and collaboration. The event also helps private companies explore investments in state-led healthcare projects, contributing to the development of Qatar’s healthcare infrastructure, while promoting knowledge and technology transfer between global and local companies and government entities, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions to strengthen the healthcaresystem.”
Additionally, Mshaimesh said, “It features panel discussions and workshops to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences and the development of strategic alliances. The exhibition promotes partnerships that increase reliance on local healthcare products and services, reducing foreign dependence and promoting economic sustainability. It also highlights global standards in healthcare, such as patient safety and quality of care, while encouraging Qatari companies to deliver innovative medical services and products. This, in turn, strengthens the independence of the healthcare system and enhances the sector’s appeal to foreign investors.”
Al Jazira Healthcare Manufacturing Company CEO Ashraf Alshoun said, “The event’s Diamond Sponsor, stated: “Our company is dedicated to meeting the growing needs of Qatar’s healthcare system by providing high-quality medical supplies. Through our participation in this event, we aim to showcase our latest innovations, which are key to advancing the healthcare sector.”
Joe Hazel, CEO of Apex Health, a leading healthcare group, said, “Apex Health is glad to participate in Qatar Medicare 2024, showcasing our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in Qatar and the region. As Qatari healthcare company with a growing regional footprint, we are dedicated to supporting the development of world-class healthcare systems that prioritise innovation, accessibility, and excellence, ensuring healthier futures for all.”
The conference agenda covers key topics including Qatar’s e-health Strategy, mechanisms for advancing Qatar National Vision 2030, strategic health infrastructure investments, and building a competitive healthcare system.
It also examines the National Health Strategy (2024–2030), the modernisation programme for Hamad General Hospital, alongside initiatives to provide high-quality healthcare for migrant workers in Qatar.
Additionally, the conference explores future technologies transforming the healthcare sector through specialized sessions presented by Mannai Corporation (Cisco), the exclusive Technology Partner, featuring leading experts. While Al Emadi Hospital, the Silver Sponsor, will shed light on excellence in healthcare technologies and services.
Al Emadi Hospital Group CEO & Medical Director Abdulelah Al Adimi said, “We are delighted to participate in this event, which marks a significant milestone in the development of Qatar’s healthcare sector. This exhibition is a key platform for bringing together medical expertise and experience under one roof, reflecting Qatar’s ongoing support for healthcare improvement.
“It also highlights the advancements in the healthcare system and fosters collaboration between health institutions and specialized companies. As the first private hospital established in Qatar, the participation of Al Emadi Hospital Group and its branches in this event, underscores its commitment to adopting new medical technologies and artificial intelligence to provide the best possible care to the community.”
The conference will also explore methods for decoding healthcare data through analytics and artificial intelligence to extract actionable insights. Additionally, accredited training from Metco Care Health Services, the silver sponsor, will tackle the fundamentals of healthcare analytics, covering its applications in healthcare, including forecasting, simulation, real-world use cases, value-based care, population health management and healthcare analytics.
For the first time, the event will feature a stage for innovative healthcare startups, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, enabling them to showcase their solutions and initiatives to a targeted audience of investors and healthcare leaders.
Participants can showcase their groundbreaking concepts, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore potential partnerships with key industry players. Startups will also have the chance to give live presentations, demonstrating the practical impact of theirinnovations.
