DOHA: Mortality rates have declined and people are living longer, many with chronic diseases. These changing demographics, which have profound consequences for healthcare and its delivery, according to experts at a continuing medical education symposium co-sponsored by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and Hamad Medical Corporation.
“Health care is evolving and the priorities of both patients and physicians are changing,” said Dr Ravinder Mamtani, associate dean for global and public health at WCMC-Q, chairman of the CME symposium committee. “People are turning to traditional and alternative healing therapies. Periodic screening tests for many diseases are gaining widespread acceptance. People are even travelling around the world for health care. These factors will affect the way health care is delivered and the way health care professionals are trained,” said Dr Mamtani.
Plans and projects underway to implement the health care goals and outcomes outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 were discussed by Dr Faleh Mohamed Hussain Ali, assistant Secretary General for Policy Affairs for the Supreme Council of Health (SCH).
“We are increasing our focus on primary care to become more wellness oriented. We would like our health centers to be places where people go, not just because they are sick, but also to obtain preventive care so they can stay healthy.” He discussed tools being used by the SCH, such as development of national health plans, the use of performance contracts, and public and private partnerships, among others, to achieve the goals and outcomes of the vision statement.
Dr Albert Lowenfels, Professor of surgery and professor of family and community medicine at New York Medical College emphasised the importance of lifestyle factors in improving health and life expectancy. “During the past several decades, we have recognized the importance of lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol, diet, and exercise in maintaining and enjoying good health. Prevention of illness by following recognised healthy lifestyle guidelines benefits society because preventing disease is considerably less costly than treating illness resulting from improper health habits.”
Meanwhile, Khaled Machaca, PhD, associate dean for research at WCMC-Q, discussed the growing opportunities for advanced biomedical research in Qatar. “The research studies underway here are focused on the diseases prevalent in the area will ultimately improve the health of the people of Doha and the Gulf Region.”