DOHA: Primary healthcare in the country will be overseen by an independent body following the recent cabinet approval of an Emiri draft decision to establish a Primary Healthcare Institution. With this, primary healthcare has become free of its affiliation to Hamad Medical Corporation under the Supreme Council of Health.
The autonomous status will help implement strategies and improve and develop health policies complying with World Health Organisation standards.
"Primary healthcare is vital and being separate will help the progress of the institute as it will put strategic plans directly under SCH. The institution established its administrative body in June 2010. It became independent with a special budget and logo, and started recruiting staff both from within and outside the country. Some 3,000 people are currently employed there," said Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, executive director, Primary Healthcare.
The institute will be moved to a new location next year.
Meanwhile, accreditation of the PHCs and associated activities will commence next month in cooperation with a Canadian organisation.
© The Peninsula 2011
