Latest news with #TribuneNewsNetworkDohaHamadMedicalCorporation
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
HMC receives Digital Innovation Award at Google Cloud Summit
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was honoured with the Digital Innovation Award at the second Google Cloud Annual Summit in Doha. The award recognises HMC's pioneering initiatives in leveraging advanced technologies to enhance healthcare delivery. Dr Amal Abdulla, chief of health information and communications technology, received the award on behalf of HMC from HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The summit served as a platform to celebrate Qatar's progress in digital transformation and showcase the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cloud technology. Dr Abdulla emphasized that HMC's adoption of AI technology played a central role in securing the award. 'Among the key achievements include the establishment of the AI Center of Excellence, which lays the foundation for HMC's journey toward AI-driven SMART hospital frameworks. This includes ongoing development of the Innovation Hub and a tailored AI Innovation Framework to prioritise and implement AI initiatives, improving patient care and operational efficiency. These transformative efforts highlight HMC's leadership vision and commitment to innovation and excellence in health care.' 'This award reflects HMC's ongoing commitment to harnessing advanced technology to enhance the patient experience. It is recognition of the hard work and innovation of everyone at HMC who has contributed to these transformative initiatives,' added Dr Abdulla.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC raises bar for accessible,specialised mental health care
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) continues to strengthen its position as the leading provider of specialist mental health care services in Qatar and one of the leading providers in the region. With a recent focus on expanding access and improving quality, HMC delivers a wide range of services across the country, bringing expert mental health care closer to communities and making support easier to access for all. 'Our mental health services have expanded significantly in recent years, both in terms of the number of services available and the quality of care delivered,' said Dr Majid Al Abdulla, chair of mental health at HMC. 'We are proud to offer evidence-based, patient-centred care, led by expert teams and supported by modern facilities. HMC's Mental Health Service is accredited by the Joint Commission International, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care. HMC has become a regional leader in mental health care, committed to supporting the needs of our population.' One of the most significant recent developments has been the expansion of HMC's inpatient mental health services at Mesaieed General Hospital. To bring services closer to where people live, HMC has also partnered with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to establish integrated mental health clinics in eight primary health centres. These clinics allow patients to access psychiatry and psychology services in a familiar and non-stigmatising environment, alongside their regular physical healthcare. The integrated clinics in PHCC cover multiple specialist areas, including adult psychiatry, ADHD, and older adult mental health. These services are delivered in close collaboration between HMC psychiatrists and PHCC teams, ensuring high-quality, coordinated care. HMC also offers outpatient services at multiple locations including Hamad General Hospital, Mesaieed General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, and Muaither addition to physical outpatient clinics, HMC has expanded its virtual care services. The National Mental Health Helpline (telephone 16000) offers immediate access to trained mental health professionals. Patients can also attend follow-up psychiatric appointments remotely using secure telehealth platforms, making it easier for people to continue their care from home. Specialist virtual services, such as the Women's Mental Health Service, provide confidential support tailored to the unique needs of different patient groups. 'The key to improving mental health outcomes is early intervention and making access to care easy and stigma-free,' said Amal Alobaidli, acting executive director of nursing at the Mental Health Service. 'Our recent strategy has prioritised providing mental health services in the heart of communities across Qatar. The integrated clinics and the National Mental Health Helpline mean anyone in Qatar can reach a mental health professional quickly and conveniently, when they need it most.' With its wide network of services, skilled teams, and dedication to accessible care, HMC is leading the way in delivering high-quality mental health services for the people of Qatar.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC urges tobacco users to take 1st step towards tobacco-free life
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) on Saturday joined the world in observing World No Tobacco Day, held annually on May 31. HMC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the community by providing accessible and effective tobacco cessation services. On World No Tobacco Day 2025, HMC has urged all tobacco users to take the first step towards a tobacco-free life. Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, director of Tobacco Control Center, a WHO Collaborating Center at HMC, stated, 'World No Tobacco Day provides an important platform to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of supporting tobacco users to quit the habit. 'Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern in Qatar. While prevalence rates have seen some decline, continued efforts are crucial,' he said. 'According to the most recent figures, approximately 25 percent adults in Qatar are current tobacco users. This underscores the need for accessible and effective cessation services.' Dr Al Mulla said it is important to note that the dangers of tobacco extend beyond traditional cigarettes and examine the harmful effects of other tobacco products including: E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These electronic devices deliver nicotine, with harmful cancer-causing additives and flavourings, and are particularly popular among youth. Heated Tobacco Products: These products heat tobacco to produce an inhalable aerosol, but are not risk-free. Nicotine pouches: These products contain nicotine in varying amounts, flavourings and other ingredients and are placed in the mouth. They are available in a variety of flavors and are marketed as safe and of reduced harm. Smokeless Tobacco: Products like chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus are placed in the mouth and absorbed, and can cause oral cancer and other health problems. Waterpipe (Shisha, Hookah): Often perceived as less harmful, waterpipe smoking involves inhaling smoke through water, and carries significant health risks. HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics play a vital role in supporting individuals who want to quit. The clinics offer a comprehensive range of services, including: Individualized Counseling: Tailored support from trained specialists to address the specific needs of each person. Medical Assessment: Evaluation of health status and any tobacco-related conditions. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Provision of NRT products (e.g., patches, lozenges) to manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Medication Therapy: Prescription of non-nicotine medications, when appropriate, to aid in quitting. Follow-up Support and education resources: Ongoing monitoring and encouragement to help individuals maintain their tobacco-free status. 'Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health,' said Dr Al Mulla. 'At HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics, we provide evidence-based treatments and compassionate support to help people overcome their addiction and live healthier tobacco-free lives. We encourage anyone who wants to quit to reach out to us. We are here to help.' How to Get HelpcTracking:> Individuals seeking support to quit tobacco use can contact the HMC Tobacco Cessation Clinics through the following channels: Phone: Call or message us on 5080 0959/4025 4981or call Nesma'ak on 16060 Primary Health Care Centers: Referrals can be made through primary health care centres.
