DOHA: Coinciding with Qatar International Medical Congress, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will launch national cancer screening initiatives, starting with a focus on breast and bowel health.
A contract has been signed with international companies FujiFilm , Radnet and Specialized Medical Solutions.
Dr Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, Managing Director, PHCC, said, “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 screening and prevention part of the foundation of health in the country.”
PHCC is leading the delivery of the service to the population with the support of the consortium of companies, FujiFilm, from Japan, Radnet from the US and Specialized Medical Solutions (SMS) in Doha.
Under a five-year plan, PHCC will leverage these companies’ knowledge and expertise in integrated screening programmes and assume 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.
Dr Nastaran Fatemi, International Medical Director, RadNet, said, “PHCC is proactively addressing healthcare needs in Qatar by educating the population — at the community level — on benefits of early detection and prevention.”
In July, PHCC will launch a campaign across multiple media channels to raise awareness of breast and bowel cancer risks, symptoms and preventive measures. Screening for breast and bowel health will be accessible to residents. Using a national call centre set up for the programme, PHCC will invite residents for screening.
“Our aim is to promote wellness, so people can live longer, healthier lives,” said Flora Asuncion, Assistant Managing Director, PHCC. “Integrated screening will reinforce the broader aims of Qatar as it looks to the future.”
The Peninsula
