Coinciding with Qatar International Medical Congress, Primary Health Care Corporation which provides a wide of primary services across the state of Qatar, announced that it will launch national cancer screening initiatives , starting with a focus on breast and bowel health , where a contract was signed with International companies FujiFilm , Radnet and Specialized Medical Solutions.
PHCC has been given the authority, under Qatar’s National Cancer Program, to implement cancer screening services nationwide. The program is in keeping with Qatar’s new wellness model of healthcare, as outlined in its National Health Strategy (NHS) 2011-2016. Through the NHS, Qatar is implementing widespread innovations to its entire healthcare system. The NHS emphasizes a shift toward preventive and community-based care, which is the driving principle of the National Cancer Program and PHCC’s population-based screening program.
Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, M.D., Managing Director of PHCC, said, “PHCC is taking this responsibility very seriously, as we believe that routine screening and early detection of diseases like cancer will save many lives. This is what primary care is about, and we are proud to be able to make this service a reality here very soon in Qatar. It is our pride and our obligation in PHCC to make screening and prevention part of the foundation of health in the country.”
PHCC is leading the delivery of this service to the population of Qatar with the support of an international consortium of companies – Fujifilm from Japan, RadNet from the U.S., and Specialized Medical Solutions (SMS) in Doha. Under a five-year plan, PHCC will leverage these companies’ knowledge and expertise in integrated screening programs – and then assume all operational management of the service. Fujifilm supplies medical equipment and information solutions, RadNet performs clinical and operational services, and SMS provides on-the-ground administrative support in Doha.
Nastaran Fatemi, M.D., International Medical Director for RadNet, said: “PHCC is proactively addressing healthcare needs in Qatar by educating the population – at the community level – on the benefits of early detection and prevention.”
PHCC will launch a campaign across multiple media channels to raise public awareness of breast and bowel cancer risks, symptoms and – most importantly – preventive measures. Screening for breast and bowel health will be a public good, accessible to all residents. Using a national call center established for this program, PHCC will proactively invite residents to be screened.
“PHCC is extremely honored to be entrusted to deliver this program to the people of Qatar,” said Flora Asuncion, Assistant Managing Director of PHCC. “We believe that this is very much a part of our responsibility – to help detect and prevent illness, especially cancer. Our overarching aim is to promote wellness, so the people of Qatar can live longer, healthier lives.”
“Integrated screening programs will reinforce the broader aims of the state of Qatar as it looks to the future,” Dr. Fatemi said. “Its mission is to provide the highest quality services to its people and create a model top-tier healthcare system, and that will soon include achievements in cancer care.”