Qatar launches first guide to cancer services

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched Qatar's first guide to cancer care services to make it easier for people with suspicion or diagnosis of cancer to access care services, navigate the healthcare system and have a smooth experience throughout their treatment journey.

The launch takes place in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Qatar Cancer Society, National Cancer Programme and Qatar Red Crescent Society. The guide comes in the wake of the MoPH’s previous initiatives, including the launch of the three principles for healthcare services in Qatar for children, adults, and the elderly, the guide to mental health services, and the guide for maternity services. All guides provide patients with the information they need to access healthcare services easily and to navigate the system conveniently, aiming at improving patient experience and making their treatment journey bearable."The delivery of cancer health services has progressed enormously over the years. There have been significant advances in identifying, diagnosing and treating this disease. Qatar's health system currently offers a wide range of cancer health services. It is vitally important that people understand how to access these services and choose the appropriate service for their individual needs. The launch of the new guide provides a clear and concise resource for cancer health services in Qatar," a press statement noted. "The launch of the guide to cancer services reflects the collaborative efforts of healthcare partners. These are important steps forward in our collaborative efforts to improve the cancer patient experience, reduce prevalence of the disease, and ease the burden of cancer on Qatar and its people."The guide, available in Arabic and English, will be distributed to the public at all cancer-related events, and copies will be available at healthcare facilities and on their respective websites. The guide to cancer care services in Qatar is available for download on this link - https://bit.ly/3IoMQWwGuided by sound national strategies and building on the solid foundations developed through the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy (2011), Qatar National Cancer Research Strategy (2012), and National Cancer Framework (2017-2022), Qatar's healthcare partners continue to deliver improved outcomes for cancer patients, leading Qatar to pursue excellence in cancer care with quality care that exceeds healthcare systems in many developed countries and services that are benchmarked against best international practices.