DOHA: A health card scheme that offers premium quality healthcare at "very affordable rates" will shortly be launched by the Al Ahli Hospital, Dr Foti Khamis, Medical and Hospital Administrator, revealed yesterday.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr Foti said, the scheme was expected to be launched in about three months and prices offered would be affordable to a wide section of the society.
He dispelled myths that medical treatment at the Al Ahli Hospital was expensive due to state-of-the-art facilities it offers. "In fact, our rates are very comparable with any private sector clinic or hospital in the country, whether it is consultation, support services, rooms and beds or diagnostic checks," he added. The health card system, he said, would make these services even more affordable to patients.
AAH, he said, was also geared to meet the anticipated rush of patients that would occur when the National Health Authority implements the mandatory medical insurance system. Such a system, when introduced, will allow both locals and expatriates to seek medical attention at any healthcare facility of their choice, thus reducing the load on state-run hospitals and Primary Health Centers. AAH already has 250 beds, which he said, was sufficient to meet the demand and the hospital was adding several vital medical specialties for both, inpatients and outpatients.
"The Al Maghrabi Centre for ENT and eye care is one of the most reputed of its kind in the entire world and we have some renowned consultants here. This would make it more attractive for patients to come to Al Ahli," he added.
Meanwhile, a delegation of healthcare experts from Italy, led by the Italian ambassador to Qatar, Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, visited the Al Ahli Hospital yesterday morning and met senior officials.
© The Peninsula 2005
