Qatar's Progress in Protecting Right to Health Praised by NHRC Chairperson
Date
4/10/2023 7:55:25 AM
(MENAFN) The Chairperson of Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, has praised the significant progress made by Qatar in protecting the right to health without discrimination, as one of the economic, social, and cultural rights. In her remarks on the occasion of World Health Day, Al Attiyah commended the Ministry of Public Health's efforts in opening several hospitals and health centers to cover the population's needs, providing free or nominal fee treatments. She pointed out that the NHRC had monitored cases in which treatment for rare diseases was brought to patients from abroad, without consideration of the exorbitant cost borne by the state.
Al Attiyah emphasized the need to continue working to reduce waiting times for medical consultation appointments in primary health care centers, increase the number of medical staff in hospital emergency departments, and provide a medical staff commensurate with the number of patients. She also called for increasing outpatient appointments to improve the overall healthcare system in the country.
The NHRC Chairperson also highlighted the Ministry of Public Health's interest in mental health by launching mental health services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in cooperation with the Primary Health Care Corporation. The hotline (16000) set up by the ministry also provides support for people who suffer from mental health problems as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The hotline includes a team of mental health specialists who provide evaluation and support to children, adults, the elderly, and healthcare workers. Al Attiyah appreciated the provision of confidential psychological support hotline free of charge to all residents in the State of Qatar without discrimination.
She also praised the continued provision of mental health services at the HMC for people suffering from mental health disorders, including outpatient services and clinical care services. Al Attiyah called for the establishment of an integrated psychiatric hospital in the cities of Qatar, noting Hamad Hospital's previously announced intention to open a specialized psychological care hospital.
Al Attiyah appreciated the efforts of the ministries and concerned authorities, led by the Ministry of Public Health, to address the Covid-19 pandemic and provide treatment without discrimination to all groups of society. She highlighted that Qatar was ranked 15th in the world in the list of countries that had one of the best responses to the pandemic, and it was the only Arab country in the top 15.
In conclusion, Al Attiyah emphasized that the comprehensive right to health includes not only providing necessary health care but also access to safe drinking water, adequate supply of safe food and nutrition, and the creation of healthy work conditions and health awareness. She noted that the right to physical and mental health is closely linked with other human rights.
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