There are a number of options to consider when deciding which service to access in the event of ill health. Qatar’s health system provides a wide range of care services and choosing the right one for your condition will enable you to receive the best care possible, as quickly as possible.
The guide on the next page highlights a number of common conditions for which patients should visit either an emergency department, their primary health center or local pharmacist. Remember your local pharmacist is a valuable professional resource and if you feel unwell in the evening or over the weekend, local dispensing chemists tend to have longer opening hours than many healthcare clinics. Colds, allergies, rashes and mild pains can all be potentially treated or alleviated by OTC (Over-The-Counter) medications.
Do
• Choose the right service for your child so that they can be seen as quickly as possible, for the least cost and by the right doctor.
• Be sure that your child has a valid Qatar ID and health card in order for you to benefit from greatly reduced medication costs.
Don’t
• Take your child to an HMC emergency department with a condition which should be treated at a primary health center. They may have to wait for many hours as the emergency departments prioritize seeing those patients with the most serious conditions first.
• Call 999 unless your child has a serious medical condition.The emergency department and Ambulance Service are only for the most severe injuries and conditions
