MIDDLE EAST healthcare tools and solutions . With an estimated population of 2.69mn , Qatar ’ s population has tripled in a decade . Whilst Qatari nationals equate to less than 15 % of the country ’ s total population , its growing expat figures have led to an emerging need for wellness and recovery services .
“ Within the whole GCC and the Middle East there ’ s a significant demand for these services ,” reflected Information Technology Director Fady Saad .
“ However , the stigma around addiction as a whole is a challenge . We exist in a culture that does not quite understand addiction and does not really appreciate that it is a disease rather than a lack of good behaviour .”
Connected care The establishment of Qatar ’ s Public Health Strategy 2017-2022 is set to improve the health and wellbeing of the country ’ s population and promote understanding of a number of healthcare conditions .
The country ’ s bid to provide exceptional , connected patient care has also led to the development of a new , digital infrastructure as part of its growing e-health strategy , which will lead to the overhaul of traditional treatment models , the launch of bespoke , tailored solutions , and will grant patients increased choice and control over how they are treated .
However , this will not be without its challenges .
“ The healthcare sector is facing major challenges , not just in Qatar . This is even from my experience in the US ,” observes Saad . “ There are challenges around integration and being able to communicate data . There are a lot of issues around privacy and confidentiality of data . This also links to safety issues which come with patients .
“ Nevertheless , the more you know about patients when they show up in an emergency room , the more you ’ re able to treat the patient . I think that has been one of the biggest IT targets in the healthcare industry over the last several years .”
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