The Primary Health Corporation (PHCC) received 5.2 mn visitors in 2024 while extending various healthcare services at its facilities. Dr Samya al-Abdulla, executive director of operations, senior family medicine consultant at PHCC and deputy national lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing, told local Arabic daily Arrayah that these visitors were recorded in various specialities within the corporation.The major share of the visits was recorded by Family Medicine Clinics where more than 3.2 mn visitors availed services. The Emergency Care Units for adults and children recorded more than 217,000 while Dental Clinics recorded more than 350,000 visits. Visitors sought services in various dental specialities. These included general dentistry, gum diseases, root canal treatment, oral and dental surgery and dental pediatric treatment. While Eye Clinics recorded nearly 100,000 visits, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinics recorded nearly 50,000 visits and Dermatology Clinic recorded nearly 50,000 visits.“There has been an increase in the rate of demand for virtual consultations (phone or video), as this year there have been more than 410,000 virtual consultations with an increase of approximately 10% that was marked in 2023,” she said.According to the data, absenteeism rates in PHCC clinics mark a significant variation between different specialities. Family Medicine Clinics recorded 28% while dental clinics had the lowest absenteeism rate at 17% with a total absenteeism rate of 29% across all clinics. “This reflects the importance of increasing awareness among patients about the importance of the appointment system. The Operations Department is taking several measures to improve adherence to appointments including re-evaluating and delivering appointments. The department also raises awareness of the importance of adherence and improves communication with patients through reminder messages, which contributes to providing more effective and quality healthcare to patients,” she noted.“PHCC is one of the main pillars of the health system in Qatar. It provides a diverse and integrated range of health services through 31 health centres distributed geographically to cover the needs of citizens and residents in Qatar,” she said noting that the corporation has achieved many distinguished accomplishments in the field of healthcare.