Amman, 14 March 2012: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) won the 2012 Arab Distinctive Healthcare Institution Award during the 10th Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF) MedHealth Congress and Exhibition held in Amman, Jordan. On behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, Her Royal Highness Princess Mona El Hussein (who launched the forum) presented the award to HMC.

Dr Saleh Ali Al Marri, Assistant Secretary General for Medical Affairs at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), and Mr Mohamad Mubarak Al Noimi, the Executive Director of Corporate Communications at HMC accepted the award on behalf of HMC.

The Arab Distinctive Healthcare Institution Award recognizes the excellence of HMC's services and its commitment as the main healthcare provider in Qatar to providing world-class quality care to the people of Qatar.

While visiting HMC's booth at the exhibition held along with the congress, His Excellency Dr Abdullah Bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Public Health and Secretary General of the SCH stated, "Congratulations to HMC on this great achievement that is a continuation of its many other accomplishments. During the last few years, HMC has enhanced and improved on an ongoing basis the work processes at its hospitals. This award is yet another incentive to all HMC employees to continue in the same direction with a matching level of hard work and dedication." 

Dr Al-Qahtani added, "We foresee that HMC will receive more international and regional awards in the coming years. After achieving the Joint Commission International accreditation for its hospitals in addition to its Ambulance Service for their world-class services, HMC now has the ability to compete internationally. This year's award is undeniable proof that HMC's performance is on right path."

Dr Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the SCH's Public Health Department, also visited HMC's booth and congratulated its management and employees for winning the prestigious award, saying, "We are very proud of HMC's hard work and tremendous efforts. This award is testimony to the great deeds that were achieved with the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the faithful Heir Apparent, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the SCH's Vice Chairperson."

 "While we celebrate this important achievement, HMC's journey of improvement continues to seek higher standards to provide the best available services. Winning an award never stopped HMC in the past from working hard to achieve higher goals. We thank Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, HMC's Managing Director, and all those who worked to make today's achievement possible. We look forward to many more accomplishments and awards," Dr Al Thani added.

Dr Al Thani thanked the HMC delegation led by Mr Al Noimi, who attended the MedHealth congress and exhibition. He also highlighted the importance of this annual regional event in the exchange of healthcare knowledge and experience among Arab countries.

Award well-received by the Arab health sector 

The HMC delegation received congratulations from many Arab Health officials during their visit to the HMC booth. HE Dr Abdellatif Woreikat, Health Minister of Jordan pointed out that as a health official and a Jordanian citizen, he is proud of the level of services offered by HMC to all nationals and residents of Qatar without distinction. "This vision embodies the greatness and compassion of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and guardian of Qatar's renaissance."

Dr Woreikat also said that the leaders of the healthcare sector in Qatar have successfully allocated Qatar's financial resources to develop and improve healthcare services. He added that there is a long-standing collaboration between Qatar and Jordan in the medical and nursing fields.

HE Dr Mon Farha Ahmad, Health Minister of the Republic of Comoros also visited HMC's booth where she congratulated HMC on winning the award. "I am well aware of the exceptional level of services provided by HMC, especially since I was personally treated at Al Amal Hospital last year. Today, I am still taking the medications that were prescribed to me and that carry HMC's logo."

Dr Ahmad added, "The State of Qatar has been a great supporter of health services in the Republic of Comoros, where they built and equipped a number of hospitals, and restored the Ministry of Health building." She expressed hopes that this support will be extended to the maternal and child health services in Comoros.

The HMC delegation presented a token of appreciation to the health ministers during their visit to HMC's booth.

The Medhealth Congress and Exhibition was held in Amman, Jordan on 14-16 March 2012 to highlight healthcare advancements and to foster the exchange knowledge and expertise among healthcare organizations in the Arab world. MedHealth 2012 was held concurrently with the Arab Health Ministers Council's Executive Board meeting.

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About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit healthcare provider in Qatar.  It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages eight highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital, Heart Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, The Cuban Hospital and Al Khor Hospital. Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.

HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost-efficient healthcare for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All".  For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.

For more information about HMC please visit www.hmc.org.qa.

© Press Release 2012