Qatar Healthcare Mental Health Services
There is a growing demand for mental health services in Qatar. Factors such as rapid modernization, a growing population, increased social and economic stressors, and improved awareness have contributed to the rise in mental health concerns. Qatar has been actively working to address this issue by increasing public awareness and education about mental health. The country has also implemented policies to support mental healthcare in the workplace, including promoting employee well-being and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.
Background
The government of Qatar has been investing heavily in general medical infrastructure over the past twenty years by implementing strategies and enacting policies to revamp the nationwide healthcare system. Technology has been a key component of this plan, and Qatar has opted for a more modern and digitalized healthcare environment, including for mental health services and care. Qatar’s National Mental Health Strategy (2013–2018), the Wellbeing Strategic Framework 2019–2022, and the National Health Strategy (2018–2022) were all designed to facilitate the transition from the traditional hospital-based psychiatric care to community-based care, building an integrated and comprehensive mental health system. In 2016, a Law on Rights of Patients with Mental Illness was adopted to regulate the care, treatment, and rights of patients with mental health disorders.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was established in 1982 and is the main public provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in the country. Qatar’s Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) has a joint working relationship with HMC to provide an integrated network of services to manage mental health disorders in a stepped care approach from primary care. When needed, cases are referred for the specialized care. The public mental healthcare system is provided free of charge to all Qatari citizens and residents.
However, challenges remain. There is a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals, which results in long wait times and service availability difficulties. Despite these efforts, a significant gap remains in the availability of mental health services, particularly for certain groups that require specialized care, such as children and the elderly. Additionally, despite steps by the government in recent years to acknowledge the need for expanded mental healthcare services, there is still a significant cultural stigma around mental health disorders in Qatar, which can prevent people from seeking professional help.
Opportunities
Mental health services in Qatar have been expanding in recent years, but there is still room for improvement and growth. U.S. companies and solutions providers with expertise in mental health may find opportunities in Qatar in areas such as:
1- Training and consultation services for healthcare professionals in Qatar.
2- Mental health care service providers and entities to partner with local organizations to establish and operate mental health clinics for in-patient and out-patient programs.
3- Telehealth or virtual mental health services to reach a wider population.
4- Development and implementation of mental health awareness campaigns and education programs.
In addition, Qatar Foundation organizes and hosts the annual World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), which serves as the premier healthcare thought leadership forum in Qatar with a discussion of global trends, ideas, and practices. U.S. companies and entities engaged in the healthcare sector should consider participating in WISH if they are interested in entering or expanding the Qatari market.
Next Steps for the U.S. Client
U.S. companies with products and services offering mental health services should work with Senior Commercial Specialist Anissa Lahreche (Anissa.Lahreche@trade.gov) at the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar to explore matchmaking, market research, and other assistance that may prove beneficial.