Healthcare in Qatar

Healthcare in Qatar

This information is intended to provide information about the available medical services in Qatar and help create awareness about some possible health challenges. It provides links to some resources and provides some recommendations to make living with those challenges easier.

Students
Availability of medical services

The State of Qatar offers a very comprehensive, competent and accessible healthcare system both in the private and public sectors (inclusive of Dental and Ophthalmology services). 

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the name of Qatar’s non-profit healthcare provider. https://www.hamad.qa

A Hamad Health Card is required for you to receive treatment from Hamad Hospital and its Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC).  The treatment is free at Hamad Hospital and Primary Health Care Centres and allows you access to get your prescriptions at government-run pharmacies at subsidized rates.

You require a valid QID (Qatar Residency) to acquire a Hamad Health card and the health card has to be renewed annually.

The university also has its own customized healthcare insurance plan that best reflects the needs of its employees. Employees, inclusive of dependant family members, become active within the policy upon the date of departure from the home country.

The plan provides ongoing health insurance for employees and dependants while living in Qatar and while visiting other countries, including their home country.

Details of the plan are provided upon arrival at UDST, including a comprehensive list of healthcare facilities (within Qatar and in other countries) offering a direct billing service.

A Few Things to Remember

  • If you are prone to allergies, sensitivities and chronic respiratory conditions, do remember that heavy dust is common due to the dry desert environment.
  • Cigarette smoking is still permitted in many public areas such as hotels and restaurants. However, it is not permitted in malls.
  • There is a high use of scented products in all environments, as it is culturally acceptable.
  • Due to the frequent periods of high humidity, condensation and mold is common to all environments.
  • If you or one of your family members has any medical conditions that may be affected by such exposures, please consult with your family physician or specialist.
Library
When planning holidays: International

Living in Qatar provides great opportunities for world travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers' Health provides a good resource for information on international travel, including vaccinations recommended and required for various countries. To view this information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Employees are encouraged to become aware of their vaccination needs as travel is planned.

Team
Prescription medications

There are many pharmacies in Qatar and availability of prescription medication is very good. However, some medication may not be available. It is strongly advised to check the availability of any regular prescription medication that you may be taking that could potentially be unavailable in Qatar. In the event that medication is unavailable, it is advisable to bring a supply to last until returning to the home country.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP is available to UDST employees and families. Full details of the program are available on the Intranet, under Human Capital Directorate There are separate Male & Female Medical clinics on UDST Campus to provide first-aid for students, staff and contractors. The 24-hour number for Campus Emergencies is 4495 2999. For off-campus emergencies the number in Qatar is 999.

Contact Us

Help in determining availability of medication in Qatar can be accessed by contacting Allianz Customer Service Team at the following:

Toll-Free Number From Qatar: 8000155
Outside Qatar: +974 403 18444
From USA: 1 800 541 1983
Email:  client.services@allianzworldwidecare.com

President Office
Emergency Information

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is encouraging all of its present and new employees, to be prepared in the event of any emergency situation, both for themselves and their dependents.

All employees are encouraged to refer to the information and recommendations listed on their respective embassy websites to ensure emergency preparedness, travel advice and advisories, notarial services, etc.