HMC underlines quality of services on World TB Day

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) joins the global community in observing World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on Monday, under the World Health Organisation’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”

The Communicable Disease Center(CDC) at HMC is the region’s first dedicated centre for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases and offers a range of world class services including a dedicated TB Outpatient clinic and contact screening for the condition.

Dr Muna al-Maslamani, chief executive officer and medical director CDC said HMC is at the forefront of preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB, ensuring access to high-quality care for all in Qatar.

“The CDC is staffed by highly specialised clinical team of nurses, physicians and allied health professionals that provide consultations, treatment and support for patients who either have TB or may have been exposed to the disease,” Dr al-Maslamani said.

“Our TB services are provided free of charge to all. As treatment compliance is of paramount importance to combat TB, we have dedicated personnel to support our patients in adhering to their treatment regimen.”

In 2024, there were more than 850 admissions to the CDC’s TB wards and more than 19,500 patients referred to specialised TB clinics for treatment and follow-up appointments. Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is a contagious infectious disease that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spine. A type of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the disease.

The disease is classified as latent TB or active TB, with signs and symptoms of active TB including a cough that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, fatigue and night sweats.

In addition to HMC’s advanced diagnostic and treatment services, the CDC also undertakes extensive community engagement and awareness surrounding TB.

Dr al-Maslamani said globally TB remains one of the deadliest infectious killers, with 1.25mn people dying from tuberculosis in 2023.