Doha, 27 June, 2015: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) last week released its latest annual report, highlighting the Corporation's growth and major achievements during 2014 and early 2015.

Commenting on the report, Hanan Al Kuwari, PhD, Managing Director of HMC, identified some of the key areas in which significant progress has been made. "In the past year we have continued to build on our recent innovation and progress in line with our three pillars of health, education and research.  We have introduced many new services and facilities as we expand to meet the increasing demands of Qatar's growing population. We have opened new specialist clinics and services providing care tailored to the specific needs of different population groups, including diabetes, cancer and long-term care," she said.

Outlined in the report is the growth in activity across HMC compared to 2013, detailing how HMC's skilled and dedicated clinical teams cared for patients on nearly two and a half million occasions last year. Additionally, HMC's outpatient and emergency departments, Ambulance Service and pediatric emergency centers all experienced significant increases in activity, while more babies were delivered across HMC's network of maternity hospitals than ever before.

HMC's key achievements and developments throughout 2014 include:

  • The growth of HMC's community hospitals in Al Wakra, Dukhan and Al Khor, including a 54 percent increase in the number of births compared to 2013. This growth has meant patients living in these areas are now able to access a full range of secondary healthcare services close to home and no longer need to travel to Doha for much of their hospital care.

  • The opening of new facilities, including the expanded Enaya Specialized Care Center, Internal Medicine Clinic, Palliative and Supportive Care Unit and Stroke Ward.

  • Hospitals and services across HMC received international accreditation from leading organizations. HMC's three newest hospitals, Heart, Al Wakra and the Cuban, joined the other five hospitals in being accredited by the Joint Commission International, while HMC's stroke service also earned this prestigious accreditation.

  • Significant progress has been made by HMC in developing as an academic health system. Teaching and research have been integrated with clinical practice to deliver the highest standard of care, with examples of this now evident.

HMC has placed great importance on the development of a continuing care service for the country, as Mr. Mahmoud Al Raisi, Chief of HMC's Continuing Care Group explained: "We have taken action to ensure our services meet the needs of patients with congenital conditions and those requiring long-term care or rehabilitation. Recent progress includes the opening of a new community-based mental health facility in Muaither, providing care for women and children with a range of mental health needs, while the Enaya Specialized Care Center has been expanded to increase capacity significantly."

Dr. Al Kuwari pointed out that there was still more to be done: "Whilst this report reflects on the many achievements of the past year, we will not rest as there is still more work to be done as we continue to meet the healthcare needs of Qatar's growing population. We look forward with energy and enthusiasm to providing each and every one of our patients with the safest, most effective and most compassionate care in the years ahead."

HMC's annual report for 2014/15 is available in both PDF and digital format on its new bilingual website www.hamad.qa

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About HMC
HMC has been the principal public healthcare provider in the state of Qatar for over three decades and is dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all patients.

HMC manages eight hospitals, incorporating five specialist hospitals and three community hospitals.  HMC also manages the National Ambulance Service as well as home and residential care, all accredited by Joint Commission International. While HMC continues to upgrade its facilities and services, it has also embarked on an ambitious expansion program, targeting the areas of need in our community.

HMC is leading the development of the region's first academic health system and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. We collaborate with partners who are key experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

We are also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2015