Wellness clinics, a relatively new concept in healthcare, is soon going to become a reality in Qatar, with work in progress to set up several such facilities across the country.
The first wellness clinic in the country is planned in Al Daain, near Al Khor, that will be attached to a new primary health centre being established in
the locality.
Wellness centres or clinics are facilities devoted to promote healthy living, through a wide range of activities involving various segments of the community.
The proposed wellness clinics will be part of several new projects coming up in the primary health care sector in Qatar, which has now become a separate entity under the supervision of the Supreme Council of
Health (SCH).
A senior SCH official said yesterday that the blue print of the Al Daain facility is being prepared. More such facilities are planned in Doha and other localities.
“Wellness centres can play a key role in raising public awareness about health and healthy living. These will focus on prevention of diseases rather than treatment. These centres will provide facilities for physical exercise and disseminate knowledge on a healthy diet and lifestyles for families and individuals in a community-friendly atmosphere,” said
the official.
They are considered as the right step towards addressing the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases in the country, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and coronary diseases.
These community-oriented facilities are expected to herald a change in healthcare concepts in the country.
The SCH is also working on a project to establish specialised clinics focusing on specialties including ophthalmology, dermatology and physiotherapy.
“The specialised clinics will serve as a link between the primary and tertiary sectors and help reduce the pressure on the hospitals,” said the official.
Such facilities will be located in different regions in the country including Doha, Gharaffa, Mesaimeer, and Al Rayyan. Some of the existing health centres will be upgraded to specialised clinics.
The Peninsula