MoPH signs pacts for Health Program in Workplace

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases in the country, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has partnered with two private organisations on promoting healthy living among the employees.
MoPH signed agreements with Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) to implement the ‘Health Program in the Workplace,’ initiative yesterday.
“Health Program in the Workplace, is in line with achieving  the goal of reducing the number of premature deaths (death below 65 years) due to non-communicable diseases. Focus of the program is on how to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases through healthy lifestyle in and out of the workplace, and cessation of tobacco consumption, with increased awareness of how to overcome daily stress,” said Dr  Sheikh  Mohammed bin  Al Thani, Director of Public Health at MoPH.
“We are glad to work with companies who are keen on taking care of their employees. They are not just saving them from injuries or trauma but focusing on their lifestyle and reducing  the negative impact which non-communicable diseases can make,” he added.
Ahmad S Sultan, Director, Public Relations and Communication Department, Qatar Financial Markets Authority; Rashid Hamad Al Marri, Chief Administration Officer, Nakilat, and Dr Khuloud Al Mutawaa, Senior Consultant Community Medicine and Head of Non-Communicable Disease, Communicable Disease Department, MoPH, were also present during the event.
MoPH has been working with different ministries and governmental institutions on the Health Program in the Workplace initiative and the new partnership is the first of its collaboration with private organisations.
The initiative will be implemented in two phases.  In the first phase, employees of Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar Gas Transport Company will be answering a questionnaire which is sent via e-mail and treated confidentially.
Phase II of the program, includes a comprehensive health campaign  to detect the risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity.
During the campaign, simple measurements such as weight, height, blood pressure, blood glucose and fat level will be measured. A team from the MoPH will visit the  institutions and will  evaluate the cafeteria, stairs and gym if available.
“The team of the program will submit reports and recommendations on the visit,  questionnaire  non-communicable diseases. The program is based on an integrated plan that includes needs assessment, a results-based work plan in collaboration with the beneficiary, implementation of the activities and follow-up of evaluation on an ongoing basis,” said Dr  Al Thani.