Health are System of Qatar as One of Best in the Global Scenario - Research Paper Example

Executive Summary In 1945, a hospital with only one doctor was opened in Doha. The real growth of social services as well as health care increased after the succession of Shaykh Khalifa ibn Hamad in 1972, which radically changed the allotment of oil revenues. This prompted the monarch to transfer 25 percent of its oil revenues to the national budget. The psychiatric center was established in 1971 in Qatar, shortly after the country’s freedom. Realising that the number of patients and public consciousness concerning psychological problems was greater than before, the Psychiatry Department moved to its new building with a renovated inpatient unit of 56 beds (44 male and 16 female), in 1994. The central psychiatric facility is positioned at the Rumaillah Hospital and it has 220 beds. This facility includes the Department of Psychiatry, Rehabilitation, Mental Retardation, Special Education and Geriatric Medicine, as well as psycho geriatric services. At present, Qatar Health Care System has reason to be a proud holder of the most modern medical apparatus and technologies. The national medical professionals are well qualified and experienced; the hospitals and the healthcare centers are broadly and uniformly spread. The department of Preventive Health Care in Qatar manages the diseases which are infectious. It must be noted that the American Mission Hospitals played a significant role in the progress of medical services and can still be located today even though they do not provide any free treatment. The Ministry of Health is responsible for developing and maintaining the country’s health care system. Even though the Ministry of Public Health and Hamad Medical Corporation are principally accountable for giving healthcare to the community in Qatar, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Sports Medicine Center, Q.G.P.C (three health centers) and manufacturing segment three health care centers are as well accountable for offering health services to their workers. These entire PHC health centers are well-resourced and well-staffed to offer even a number of specific health care services. The University of Calgary brought the high-tech nursing education to the State of Qatar in August 2007. High-tech medical, nursing and health sciences schools in Qatar will jointly form an important platform for meeting the human resources highly needed in the country and all over the Gulf area for excellence in patient care and pertinent medical research. The purpose of this study, as well as the medical field in the Qatar, is to review the issues at hand with maintaining a good healthcare field for patients. As technology increases, so do the possibilities in the medical field; it is up to medical practitioners in Qatar to keep up with these constant changes if they want to remain at the top of their game. They need to improve their services to help improve the care of their patients. Introduction Qatar’s major revenue is from oil since this country is an oil-producing country. During the current period, there is huge housing, industrial, communication, and service sector development which is progressing well in the country, rendering the state of financial development as enormous. The residents are benefiting from the payback of the wealth that has come with speedy development of Qatar's gas, oil riches, and the political process which has been instigated by the Emir. Another area of liberalization has been women's rights, which have been strongly promoted by the wife of the Emir. Prior to this, women had less of a say of anything that took place in the country. The excellence of health care in Qatar is greatly improving and is even comparable to the levels of the developed nations. "Life expectancy has increased sharply as a result of the improvement of the health care provision (WHO, 2007)". Qatar’s National Health Authority has made immense improvements towards the provision of world-class healthcare to its citizens. In line with the numerous reformation plans under way in the country which are guided by His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the National Health Authority (NHA) is in a phase of major reform. Even though they anticipate several problems ahead, the dream remains confidently focused on offering outstanding healthcare amenities for the people of Qatar and reaching out for a model health authority. In order to realize this dream, there is need for involvement of everyone from the lowest profession to the highest, regardless of what they practice. The process involves analyzing the existing healthcare system, appraising present and future state necessities, explaining the fundamentals necessary for structuring an outstanding healthcare system, and establishing a long-term national policy to execute the improvement. The NHA is ready to carry out all these tasks. Previously, the Ministry of Health had made it certain that each and every resident in Qatar had access to good health services and preventative procedures were put into practice for infectious ailments. "The new NHA has several extra responsibilities, together with the governance of private and public health care. These include constructing new hospitals and ‘well care’ centers, web service with global centers of medical excellence to make sure that access to the most recent medical information is readily available and the founding of a nationwide health insurance system (RasGas, 2007)". Against this backdrop, this paper will discuss the history of Qatar healthcare system, future vision, existing healthcare amenities, and dreams to excel as a model in healthcare in a global perspective. History of Qatar Healthcare System Earlier healthcare consisted of customary medication: barbers carried out circumcisions and other minor procedures, and herbalists distributed natural therapy. In 1945, a hospital with one doctor was established in Doha. Shaykh Ali ibn Abd Allah arranged a British doctor and a few healthcare workers, in the year 1951. Rumailah Hospital was the first national hospital, which was started in 1959 with 170 beds. In 1965 a 165-bed maternity hospital was founded according to the online document entitled “An introduction to healthcare in Qatar” (2009). The real growth of social services as well as health care increased after the succession of Shaykh Khalifa ibn Hamad, in 1972 which radically changed the allotment of oil revenues (rand.org 2006). The monarch’s 25 percent of oil revenues transferred to the national budget. However, the health financial plan suffered due to a recession in oil revenues. For instance, in 1986, there was reduction of 10 percent in clinic workers due to the recession of oil revenues. The Ministry of Health, being the constitutional health authority in the state, is accountable for the omission of health system improvement (National Health Authority 2007). The important functions of government in the healthcare segment include the subsequent background and managing in general plans and strategies for health and health schemes, making sure that the governmental and severe structure is in place and is kept efficient and is appropriately enforced. The government is also tasked with ensuring accountability for the generation and development of essential manpower and material such as fund flows for frequent and capital spending, suitable technology, apparatus and pharmaceuticals (National Health Authority 2007). It is also tasked with ensuring that capital is used in a reasonable, capable and unbiased way and advocating for a health investment system that is fair and maintainable. Additionally, it is necessary for the government to guide, lead, administer and observe the routine of the general health methods, which includes the community health functions above individual service condition. The organization of health care is overseen by the Ministry of Health and the Hamad Medical Corporation with the perception that the Ministry of Health’s responsibility is mostly normative, regulatory, and in strategy-setting and management. The Medical Commission Department plays a main part in controlling the communicable infections by investigative expatriates looking for employment and holidaying in Qatar. For people who desire to stay in the state for a period of more than a month, it is mandatory to go through medical tests and screening tests as suggested by GCC States. The Medical Commission Department is accountable for giving medical condition certificates to the people for service. They also examine Qatari nationals for employment, getting government popular house, joining institutions of higher education and educational organizations overseas. As a result of the services of the Medical Commission Department, there is a whole control over the bringing in of fatal infectious diseases from other countries. In the year 2003, a computer link was established among the Ministry of Interior and the Department of the Medical Commission for the purpose of cancelling the previous delay in offering medical fitness certificates for newcomers (Embassy of State of Qatar 2005). This system helps the Ministry of Interior and Medical Commission Department to maintain the required communication concerning the new-comers to the country to take suitable action on providing their residence consent. This has further improved the effectiveness of the system. Existing Healthcare Amenities Health Systems Resources table 1 Indicator Qatar Year Dentistry personnel density (per 10 000 population) 9 2005 External resources for health as percentage of total expenditure on health 0 2006 General government expenditure on health as percentage of total expenditure on health 78.1 2006 General government expenditure on health as percentage of total government expenditure 9.7 2006 Hospital beds (per 10 000 population) 25 2006 Number of dentistry personnel 690 2005 Number of nursing and midwifery personnel 4880 2005 Number of pharmaceutical personnel 1100 2005 Number of physicians 2150 2005 Nursing and midwifery personnel density (per 10 000 population) 60 2005 Out-of-pocket expenditure as percentage of private expenditure on health 88.2 2006 Per capita government expenditure on health (PPP int. $) 1115 2006 Per capita government expenditure on health at average exchange rate (US$) 2151 2006 Per capita total expenditure on health (PPP int. $) 1426 2006 Per capita total expenditure on health at average exchange rate (US$) 2753 2006 Pharmaceutical personnel density (per 10 000 population) 14 2005 Physicians density (per 10 000 population) 26 2005 Private expenditure on health as percentage of total expenditure on health 21.9 2006 Ratio of nurses and midwives to physicians 2.3 2005 Social security expenditure on health as percentage of general government expenditure on health 0 2006 Total expenditure on health as percentage of gross domestic product 4.3 2006 Note. Data were derived from WHOSIS 2008 Detailed database search The Qatar Health Care System has come far following the first hospital in the country, which began approximately fifty years back. At present, Qatar Health Care System has reason to be a proud holder of the most modern medical apparatus and technologies. The Hamad Medical Corporation is in progress to make available to the people of Qatar the best possible treatment and diagnosis. The Hamad Medical Corporation is a non profit healthcare source in Qatar as it has four exceptional hospitals and a series of primary healthcare services; this is one of the most important and beneficial aspects of the Qatar Health Care System. The department of Preventive Health Care in Qatar manages the diseases which are infectious. They as well perform works of vaccination, food control, and immunization. One of the first countries which started anti-influenza vaccine was Qatar. The Primary Health Care in Qatar too intends to expand the social health in the country. A variety of agendas are put into practice to elevate the health care system in Qatar (Mapsofworld.com, 2009). As a result of Qatar’s limited population and the number of medical amenities in the private and public sectors, there are no long waiting lists. In case of specialised treatment, it is necessary to get medical support outside Qatar, and residents who could manage it may do so. Members of the well to do families and wealthy Arabs have all major operations in foreign countries, especially in London and American cities. Even though few of Qatar’s doctors and medical staff are local, the majority is foreigners and was well trained in their nations. Financial reward is the main attraction for them to work in Qatar. American Mission Hospitals played a significant role in the progress of medical services and can still be located today, even though they do not provide any free treatment. Presently Qatar has a public healthcare service offering free or low paid health care for Qatar people and it’s vital to say that these services are as well provided to expatriates. Travelers coming to Qatar must have travel insurance which covers private medical treatment. However, they also can get state medical facilities in the case of serious situations. With reference to expatriates, usually their health challenges comprise alcoholism and breathing problems because of sand and dust in the air. Continuous work in severe heat can as well cause the immune system and compromise the body’s capability to counter illness. Expatriates, especially manual workers, can be the victims of sunstroke and sunburn. Winter brings some of the best weather, with continuous warm sunshine producing a feeling of happiness and providing the chance for a well-being, outdoor lifestyle. Good weather is also profitable to mental health, and people in Qatar are inclined to be joyous and glad than those who have to cope with cold, wet, depressing climates (justlanded.com, 2009). Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar controls a group of hospitals that offer free medical services to people of Qatar. In case of expatriates living in Qatar, the HMC offers medical and dental care attention at a great deal of subsidized costs (justlanded.com, 2009). Expatriates and citizens are obliged to have Qatari insurance cards to make use of HMC hospitals. Private establishments have tried to supply services such as in-home nursing and dermatology. Even though Qatar’s first private hospital did not open until 1999, at present private health sector accounts for 67% of health service providers. A vast majority of the health service providers, public and private, are positioned in Doha. On the other hand, distance hardly ever confines access to health care. The life expectancy for Qatari men is 76 years and 75 years for Qatari women, which is evidence of Qatar’s high class health care system. In Qatar, there are more than two doctors for every 1,000 persons, making their doctor to resident’s ratio analogous to several western nations. On the other hand, Qatar has learned the art of providing value care for reduced cost. Qatar spends only 2.7% of their GDP to uphold its health care system, whereas health care system expenditures in the U.S. account for 15.2% of the U.S. GDP (Aetna Global Benefits, N.D.). Qatar Healthcare services are at present designed as: Primary health care centers that manage the care level by which basic remedial and preventive health care is provided at 21 health centers. Specific clinics in some health centers, for example, various types of diabetic care, is made available to those referred from primary health care centers. Specialized and teaching hospitals are provided to those referred from specialized health Health Service Coverage Indicator Qatar Year Births attended by skilled health personnel (%) 100 2006 One-year-olds immunized with MCV 92 2007 One-year-olds immunized with three doses of diphtheria tetanus toxoid and pertussis (DTP3) (%) 94 2007 One-year-olds immunized with three doses of Hepatitis B (HepB3) (%) 94 2007 One-year-olds immunized with three doses of Hib (Hib3) vaccine (%) 94 2007 Tuberculosis detection rate under DOTS (%) 52 2006 Tuberculosis treatment success under DOTS (%) 83 2005 Note. Data were derived from WHOSIS 2008 Detailed database search Concerning the Private Sector health services, there are a number of private health centers and practitioners in Qatar. The Ministry of Public Health looks forward to the private sector to shoulder some of its responsibility since the population and costs keep on increasing. So, it is the intention of the top health ministry officials to encourage the private sector facilities. The private sector manages close to 131 dental clinics, 128 medical clinics and 23 polyclinics that offer consultancy in various special care centers. There are two private hospitals with a capacity of 100 beds in which 1294 doctors were employed and they are dedicated to quality of service. They are the most excellent in diagnostic and therapeutic health services within an ambiance of caring and concern of empathy (EMRO, N.D. 2009). Mental Health In 1971, the psychiatric center was first started in Qatar, shortly after the country’s freedom. The Department of Psychiatry merged with Rumaillah Hospital as a branch of Hamad Medical Corporation. This led to opened the door for the establishment of a contemporary psychiatric unit, which comprised of both inpatient and outpatient facilities and was run by two consultants and five junior doctors. The Department worked hard to preserve the multidisciplinary strategy, or the strict methods to uphold good medical practice, to psychiatry, so two community workers were posted in 1982 and a psychology division was started in 1984. In Rumaillah Hospital, the Psychiatry Department had 18 beds for male patients and 12 for female patients. During this period, the majority of the treatments were centered in the region of general psychiatry and liaison psychiatry (Mapsofworld.com, 2009). Seeing that the number of patients and public consciousness concerning psychological problems was greater than before, the Psychiatry Department shifted to its new building, with a newly renovated inpatient unit of 56 beds (44 male and 16 female), in 1994. In addition, it has an outpatient division, and a work-related therapy unit. The second division is managed by two trained occupational therapists. In 1993 a community nursing service, a day care hospital programme and a medicine treatment and rehabilitation care unit were set up. Presently, all inpatient admittances are unofficial; and throughout 24-hrs telephone line for patients and families, are arranged. National mental health programme The national mental health programme was started in 1990 and stresses those areas linked to the community care system in mental health. This action plans to be put into practice in the areas such as: Establishment of legislation where required and amendment if desired Family participation. Inpatient care, early discovery of morbidity through understanding and finally tolerance of mental illness Primary health care. Improvement of family health physicians through ongoing periodical courses on mental health. Counseling programme. This provides in-school healthcare learning with the plan of dealing with psychosocial challenges and educational failures. Particular education and teacher training is as well incorporated. Mental health facilities The central psychiatric facility is positioned at the Rumaillah Hospital and it has 220 beds. This facility includes the Department of Psychiatry, Rehabilitation, Mental Retardation, Special Education and Geriatric Medicine, as well as psycho geriatric services. The Department of Psychiatry, in addition to offering mental health care to the entire nation, also works with three other psychiatric services, those of school health, the armed forces and the police force. The school health unit has a psychiatric panel of a consultant, social worker, psychologist and a nurse. Both the armed forces polyclinic and the police force polyclinic have a specialist psychiatrist (www.emro.who.int, 2001). Nursing Education In 1969 the Nursing Technical Secondary School was launched. It had only 20 students from Qatar and the Gulf Arab countries. In 1972 the initial lot of students graduated from the school after three years of study. The students were paid a monthly stipend of QR 1800, school uniform for theoretical and practical classes and free transportation and stationary. The School is intended to train and qualify the Qatari cadres in the nursing vocation and offer qualified female nurses capable of working in family and community nursing centers. The credential is equal to a high diploma and near to a bachelor's degree in nursing. The World Health Organization has prearranged an administrator of nursing at Hamad Medical Corporation as a consultant in nursing interface at the organization. This is Qatar's first global depiction of nursing (Embassy of State of Qatar, 2005). University of Calgary The University of Calgary brought the high-tech nursing education to the State of Qatar in August 2007. The project is the major out of the country program developed by a Canadian university. The scheme will see the formation of a branch campus named as University of Calgary-Qatar, in Qatar’s capital city of Doha. The University of Calgary -Qatar nursing program intake is anticipated to rise to 100 students per year for the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The opening term of the agreement period is 10 years and it may be renewed. Additional programs for example master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing, in addition to specialty nursing programs will be phased in through the period of the agreement (National Health Authority, 2006) University of Calgary President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Harvey Weingarten said that the University of Calgary is eager to perform a leading position in providing outstanding health care in Qatar. He went on to say that there is always the possibility to expand their global contact while supporting the Qatari government in its efforts to redesign health care in Qatar and the Gulf area. He explained further that Calgary students and professors will also have an extraordinary chance to expand global experience in coaching and learning abroad. At present Qatar does not offer certain education and training programs in nursing. However, the Qatar government is steadfast to provide education and research programs that meet global excellence in values, as well as forming a new and more modern nursing education and study capability that features the most recent in academic programs and medical technology. Dr. Latifa Al-Houty , Chair of the Board of Directors of Hamad Medical Corporation said that the health care service in the State of Qatar is increasing enormously and is becoming more and more sophisticated (WHO, 2007). There is a progressive need in Qatar for specialized nurses who can perform significant tasks at different levels in endorsement of health, community practice, education, leadership and research. Qatar is thriving for quality in education and health. Within this background, quality in nursing education becomes a requirement. It is estimated that over the first five years of the program more than 120 staff and faculty will be required, including professors, management staff and support staff. Qatar locals will comprise about a quarter of the workforce. Some of the areas which have been deemed priorities are acute care specialties, community and home nursing, midwifery, nurse education, primary care, psychiatric and mental health nursing, and renal nursing. Dr. Michael Clinton, the nursing dean stated that University of Calgary nursing education plan combine the best of medical practice, learner- centered training and study. He assumes that with this program, University of Calgary can earn the level of most excellent leadership position in global nursing education. A number of important North American universities already have branch campuses in Qatar, including Weill Cornell Medical College, Texas A & M University, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. The College of North Atlantic Newfoundland, Canada, opened a branch campus in Qatar four years back. Graduates from the Qatar program will have the same Canadian and global values for nursing as students at the Calgary campus. Students who wish to join the University of Calgary have to qualify the entrance standards in mathematics, chemistry and biology (University of Calgary, 2006). Developing a National Heath Care Strategy for Qatar Research and Development (RAND) started functioning with the State of Qatar to build up and create an outstanding health care system, intended to optimize the health of its people. The most important intentions were to evaluate Qatar’s existing and planned health care system and to appraise local and regional health care markets (rand.org, 2006); as well as to display choices and suggestions for deliberate and structural improvements to show decision making in the progress of a complete national health care plan for Qatar. RAND shaped (a) a complete study of Qatar’s health system, in addition to regulatory infrastructure and policy, over and above the operation of local clinics, hospitals, and other medical providers, (b) a dream for the future and deliberate alternatives for restructuring, and (c) a suggested organizational structure to sustain and execute the idea and health care policies accepted by Qatar’s management. To increase the effects of its broad planned choices, RAND labored directly with a high-level advisory committee on behalf of Qatar’s health system and government and carried out wide-ranging interviews and site visits across the system and in neighboring countries. One planned improvement proposal was to separate health policymaking and scrutinizing from the delivery of care to guarantee the best care for the patients (rand.org, 2006). RAND proposal was accepted, and the government recognized a fresh National Health Authority (NHA). The NHA holds accountability for understanding and looking forward to the health care needs of Qatar’s residents; arranging health care priorities and policies; setting up principles for and monitoring the excellence of care provided by all health care providers; certifying and licensing health care services and staffs; supporting public health gatherings; creating a health care financing system; setting approach and values for health information expertise; reporting data describing method functioning; and establishing and sustaining a national health study schedule. Conclusion Even though Health care system of Qatar has a short history, Qatar now stands out as one of the most impressive health care systems in the world. Through the non-profit organization, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar manages a network of hospitals which offer free services to people of Qatar. Even for expatriates living in Qatar, the HMC offers medical and dental care at very low cost. In their short history, private hospitals have tried to offer services such as in-home nursing and dermatology. Private health institutions currently account for 67% of health service providers (WHO, 2008). It is proved that the health care system of Qatar stands out as one of best healthcare system in the global scenario. However, Qatar has mastered the art of delivering quality care for less. It spends only 2.7% of their GDP to uphold their system, while health care system costs in the U.S. account for 15.2% of the GDP. Qatar is moving ahead by planning to introduce most modern Health Care Systems. Survey questions What are the minimum requirements to practice as a health care practitioner? What is the nurse/patient ratio in Qatar? What is the adult mortality rate? Which are the most prevalent communicable diseases in Qatar? If any, what are the preventive measures put in place? Are there any primary health care centers other than private/public clinics and hospitals? What is the prevalence rate of infections of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases? What is the rate of infant mortality? Are there any cases of sexually transmitted diseases? Are there any information campaigns aimed at promoting public health? References Aetna Global Benefits, (N.D.) Qatar- At a Glance, Retrieved on 12 March 2009 from http://www.aetnaglobalbenefits.com/content/news/0907A.pdf Embassy of State of Qatar, (2005) Health Care, Retrieved on 12 March 2009 from http://www.qatarembassy.net/health.asp EMRO, (N.D) Chapter 4 Health System Organization In: Health Systems Profile- Qatar, Regional Health Systems Observatory, Retrieved on 12 March 2009 from http://gis.emro.who.int/HealthSystemObservatory/PDF/Qatar/Health%20system%20organization.pdf emro.who.int, (2001) Country profiles- Qatar, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.emro.who.int/MNH/whd/CountryProfile-QAT.htm justlanded.com, (2009) An introduction to healthcare in Qatar, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar/Qatar-Guide/Health/Introduction Mapsofworld.com, (2009) Qatar Health Care System, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.mapsofworld.com/qatar/health/healthcare-system.html National Health Authority, (2006) Clinical Coding Workshop for Qatar Health Care Community, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.ict.gov.qa/files/Direct/ClinicalCoding_EN.pdf phcconference.org.qa, (2008) Qatar Declaration:Health and Well-being through Health Systems based on Primary Health Care, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.phcconference.org.qa/documents/Qatar_Declaration.pdf rand.org, (2006) Developing a National Heath Care Strategy for Qatar, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.rand.org/health/abstracts/2006/qatar.pdf RasGas, (2007) a national strategy for health, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.rasgas.com/l_5.cfm?L3_id=4&L2_id=2&L4_ID=6&L5_id=17 University of Calgary, (2006) U of C extends global reach with campus in Qatar, Retrieved on 13 March 2009 from http://www.canadian-universities.net/News/Press-Releases/November_24_2006_U_of_C_extends_global_reach_with_campus_in_Qatar.html WHO, (2007) Country Cooperation Strategy at a Glance, Retrieved on 12 March 2009 from http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_qat_en.pdf World Health Organization (2008). World Health Organization Statistical Information System (WHOSIS). Qatar: Health Systems Resource (Table 1). Web article can be viewed by tick marking the following sequence: Qatar (country)>Health systems resources (indicator category)>Select all indicators in this category>Show latest available data (time period)>Create table> Indicator, time vs. location (table). Link at: http://www.who.int/whosis/data/Search.jsp World Health Organization (2008). World Health Organization Statistical Information System (WHOSIS). Qatar: Health Service Coverage (Table 2). Web article can be viewed by tick marking the following sequence: Qatar (country)>Health service coverage (indicator category)>Select all indicators in this category>Show latest available data (time period)>Create table> Indicator, time vs. location (table). Link at: < http://www.who.int/whosis/data/Search.jsp> Read More