FAQs

A. Unless you have a medical emergency, in which case you should go to your nearest HMC emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance, you will need a referral from a primary health center or private clinic in order to make an appointment at an HMC facility.

Q. I want to see a doctor at a primary health center, how can I get an appointment? 

A. You can call Primary Health Care Corporation’s customer helpline, Hayyak, on 107 to arrange an appointment at the health center which you are registered at. Alternatively, you can visit your health center in person to arrange an appointment. 

A. If you are visiting the hospital or primary health center for the first imt e, please come at least 30 minutes befoer your appointment time in order to complete some paperwork.

A. If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment please call your pmri ary health center (Hayyak, on 107) or hospita l clinic (Nesma’ak at HMC on 16060) in advance to cancel, so that the timeslot can be used for another patient who may need it more urgently.

Q. How do I know which is my local health center? 

A. Your utility bill (phone, water/electricity) includes a code erlated to your location and this determines where your designated health center is located. You can call Primary Health Care Corporation’s customer helpline, Hayyak, on 107 for more information or take your utility bill in person to the nearest health center. 

Q. Do primary health centers and hospitals provide wheelchair access? 

A. Wheelchair ramps are generally available. If you have a special need for yourself or a patient you are caring for, please your primary health center (Hayyak, on 107) or hospital clinic (Nesma’ak at HMC on 16060) for advice on regarding your special needs. Most health centers and hospitals also provide porter services, available at the main entrance, if you require special assistance. 

A. These facilities do charge a small fee for services but residents with a valid health card are entitled to greatly subsidized consultations and prescriptions at Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation facilities.

A. For all non-urgent conditions, such as a back ache, small cut or mild eye discomfort, you should make an appointment at your local health center. Emergency departments should be used for only serious emergency medical conditions. 

A. HMC provides specialist secondary and tertiary care services. These services are for patients whose needs are too complex to be treated at a primary care center. A large number of conditions can be successfully treated in primary care and do not require treatment at HMC. 

A. Every effort will be made to enable you to see the same doctor for your visit, but the doctor’s availability on the day you wish to come cannot be guaranteed. 

A. If you are concerned about depression, anxiety or any similar mental health issue that affects your general health, please visit your doctor in a primary health clinic for care or referral to one of HMC’s clinics. For urgent care involving suicidal or self-harm thoughts, please visit one of HMC’s emergency departments. 

A. Unless your condition is a medical emergency, in which case you should go to your nearest emergency department, you should visit your local health center for a dental consultation. If specialist dental treatment is required, your primary care doctor may refer you to HMC. 

A. To change your health center you must obtain a utility bill from your new address and visit the nearest health center to apply for a change of health center. 

A. All hospitals and health centers have public parking facilities. However, some of HMC’s busy hospitals have limited free parking and visitors are recommended to either come by taxi or public transport or they can use the valet parking service offered in many location.