Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University’s (QU) esteemed Scientific Magazine has recently published an enlightening article by Prof Youssef Ibrahim Al-Abdullah, a distinguished historian and professor of History at the College of Arts and Sciences. Titled ‘From Traditional to Modern Medicine: An Eye on Qatar’s Health and Medical Renaissance’, the article delves into the evolution of medical practices in Qatar, shedding light on the transition from traditional folk remedies to the modern medical institutions that define Qatar’s contemporary healthcare landscape.
In this insightful article, Prof Al-Abdullah traces the captivating journey of Qatar’s medical evolution from the late 19th century to the present day. Qatari society, much like its counterparts in the Arabian Gulf, relied on traditional folk remedies passed down through generations. These practices encompassed rituals such as incantations, herbal treatments, cupping and cauterization. With the advent of modern medicine, this deeply ingrained belief in traditional practices gradually gave way to the advancements brought about by modern medical institutions.
The Qatari people, constrained by economic challenges, a lack of awareness and superstition, initially held greater faith in inherited Arab folk medicine than in modern healthcare. This preference for traditional remedies resulted in widespread health issues and diseases such as smallpox, measles, cholera and tuberculosis, which took a heavy toll on the population.
Colonial influence and geopolitical struggles further shaped Qatar’s medical landscape. Despite its presence in the Gulf region, Colonial Britain paid little attention to the devastating epidemics that ravaged the population. The tug-of-war for sovereignty between Britain and the Ottoman Empire hindered the establishment of an Ottoman Health Center in Qatar.
The transition to modern medical services gained momentum with the arrival of American missionaries. These missionaries, driven by their Christian mission, established medical hospitals, including the renowned Mason Memorial Hospital in Bahrain. These hospitals not only provided crucial medical aid but also paved the way for medical campaigns that reached various regions, including Qatar.
The dawn of the oil era marked a pivotal moment in Qatar’s healthcare story. Oil exploration companies introduced their own hospitals, further bridging the gap in medical services. However, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that Qatar saw the establishment of its first medical institution, thanks to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim. This initial step set the stage for the development of the medical landscape in the country.
As Qatar’s economy prospered, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani undertook significant measures to enhance the nation’s economic and social conditions. The influx of technical workers and citizens seeking employment necessitated the expansion of medical facilities. The Old Doha Hospital was transformed to accommodate various medical needs, and the government established the Department of Medical Services, a pivotal moment in Qatar’s healthcare governance.
Qatar’s dedication to health care became even more pronounced during the reign of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. The integration of major hospitals under a single administrative umbrella exemplified the nation’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare.
The subsequent reign of the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani saw the establishment of Hamad General Hospital, a monumental development in Qatar’s medical landscape. This comprehensive facility offered integrated care and emergency services, aligning with Qatar’s aspirations to meet international healthcare standards.
The journey towards an exceptional healthcare system continued under the leadership of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A visionary strategy to create a global healthcare system and collaboration with esteemed international medical institutions propelled Qatar’s medical services to unprecedented heights. This strategy, centred on the Qatar National Vision 2030, aims at an advanced, integrated healthcare system accessible to all, emphasizing preventive healthcare, and fostering a skilled national healthcare workforce.
The article concludes by highlighting the remarkable health and medical renaissance that has enveloped Qatar under the stewardship of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. With an emphasis on quality and quantity, Qatar’s healthcare system has not only met international standards but also exceeded them, reflecting the nation’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and its global standing.