Qatar has significantly strengthened its healthcare system in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a more robust reputation for health service delivery. As of May 2024, the country successfully administered approximately 7.6 million vaccine doses, safeguarding the majority of its population. The successful organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup also contributed to enhancing Qatar’s global image, as the event saw the deployment of extensive medical services across various competition sites, including 113 clinics, 114 ambulances, and 212 mobile medical units, supported by around 2,275 staff. This influx of 1.2 million visitors during the tournament facilitated favorable experiences that are expected to promote Qatar as a leading destination for healthcare investment and medical tourism, competing effectively with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
In the realm of health insurance, Qatar is undergoing crucial changes, particularly affecting its expatriate residents, who constitute 88% of its approximately 3 million population. In 2022, a mandate was announced requiring employers to secure basic health insurance from approved Qatari insurers for all expatriate employees and their eligible dependents. Although the law had not yet been implemented at the time, it aims to invigorate the domestic healthcare industry by making the insurance market more competitive and attracting foreign investment. The coverage must be obtained through a Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) portal, which currently features limited options. Employers who do not comply could face penalties such as fines or loss of ability to obtain or renew work permits.
Additionally, Qatar has introduced the requirement for foreign nationals visiting the country to possess health insurance valid for their stay. The premium for this Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance is QR50 ($14) per month, with additional costs varying by provider. Certain exemptions are in place, particularly for short-term visitors and transit passengers.
Most healthcare costs in Qatar are subsidized by the government, resulting in low out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The system aligns with Universal Health Coverage principles and offers comprehensive services, including treatment, diagnostics, preventive care, and emergency services through public institutions. A notable upcoming regulatory change is the introduction of a value-added tax (VAT) expected to take effect in July 2024, with a standard rate of 5%. While health care and education services are anticipated to be exempt from this tax, essential healthcare supplies may still be affected.
Oversight of healthcare policy in Qatar is managed by the MoPH, led by Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari since 2016. The healthcare system is structured through public and private entities, with Qataris benefiting from free or subsidized care. A health card, which includes vital identification information, allows residents easy access to public services. Those wishing to live and work in Qatar must also undergo health screenings to obtain work residence permits.
At the frontline, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) operates as Qatar’s public primary healthcare provider, managing numerous health and wellness centers. In 2023, the PHCC treated 1.8 million registered patients, an increase from 1.4 million in 2019. The government continues to expand these facilities, including the opening of a new health center with a capacity for 35,000 patients. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), established in 1979, represents the main not-for-profit healthcare provider, managing 15 hospitals and employing over 30,000 individuals. The number of outpatients receiving treatments at HMC more than doubled to 3.3 million annually in the decade leading to 2022, with surgical treatments increasing by 30% since 2017, highlighting the growing demand for health services in the country.
