Chair of the Supreme Healthcare Communications Committee, Ali Abdullah Al Khater
The State of Qatar has prepared to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by providing a solid and advanced infrastructure and modern facilities, a large package of medical and preventive care services, and huge capabilities in the field of health services to come out a healthy and safe tournament.
The Ministry of Public Health worked in cooperation with local healthcare institutions and international partners to develop its plans related to healthcare services and response to emergency and major incidents during the tournament, depending on the public and private sectors in this regard.
Throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, there will be a mobile command unit and dedicated crews to respond to major incidents at each stadium on match days, which will be supported by a regular ambulance service. The command units will act as a communication center and transfer information immediately to coordinate response plans. There will also be a mobile major incident response unit in each stadium on match days to set up a temporary field treatment site with a variety of air-conditioned tents.
The Ministry of Public Health has launched a new website that provides local fans and visitors with a wide range of medical and preventive advice and information related to the health care services that will be provided during the tournament.
The Ministry is taking the advantage of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 not only through providing medical services, but also to make this event a legacy of health. In cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry has continued preparations to make the World Cup a beacon of health and safety and a platform to share and learn lessons for major global sporting events in the future. FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy support this partnership, which comes within the framework of a campaign to promote global health through football.
Fans can get medical care at any of the hospitals, medical centers and private or public clinics in the country, whether emergency care services or urgent care said Ali Abdullah Al Khater, Chair of the Supreme Healthcare Communications Committee speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA).
Al Khater said that visiting fans who have private travel insurance that includes health care coverage should check the private medical facilities they visit to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions related to the payment of service fees according to their insurance policy.
Fans must present their Hayya card to get free health services at public facilities, while fans receiving non-emergency or urgent medical services at HMC and PHCC facilities will be charged at the standard visitor rate.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Public Health recommends, although it is not mandatory, that visiting fans obtain travel insurance coverage, with health care coverage, for the duration of their stay in Qatar.
Al Khater revealed the establishment of more than 100 clinics in football stadiums, fan zones and main residence sites to ensure medical support for people suffering from emergency but not life-threatening conditions, and announced the allocation of 4 hospitals affiliated to Hamad Medical Corporation for non-emergency urgent patients, namely Sheikha Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Hamad General Hospital, and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital.
He said that an essential part of the healthcare strategy during the tournament is to enable easy access to medical services where anyone suffering from an injury or life-threatening condition can dial 999 to get an ambulance and will receive prompt medical care and be transferred to the appropriate emergency department.
Speaking to QNA Head of the Health Strategic Leadership Group for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed said Hamad Medical Corporation’s Ambulance Service will play a key role in providing services at stadiums, and areas where matches will be held, and prepare and be ready for any possible emergency incidents.
Qatar has a great and diverse experience by hosting high-level sporting events in recent years, and healthcare teams have played an important role in supporting the successful conduct of these tournaments, including the Club World Cup, the World Athletics Championship, and the Arab Cup.
Dr. Al Mohammed reviewed the huge potential and solid infrastructure of the health sector in Qatar, as since 2011, 10 new state-of-the-art hospitals and 16 modern and advanced primary health care centers have been opened, bringing the number to 28 health centers, as well as many new specialized facilities, including emergency and urgent care units.
In October 2021, the MOPH, WHO, FIFA and the SC signed a three-year partnership to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a beacon to promote physical and mental health, and a model to ensure safe and healthy major sporting events in the future.
Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed said that through this unique partnership, the Group will be able to use the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a catalyst to promote healthy behaviors and ensure a safe World Cup for all participants.
Officials of the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization have also recently prepared a wide range of measures to mitigate any potential threats to public health, and to ensure the safety of players, officials, fans and residents throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
