DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched an advanced occupational and environmental medicine programme in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. This initiative is part of the occupational health objectives set out in Qatar’s Second National Health Strategy and aims to enhance occupational health and safety across the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MoPH has established a work plan to implement the programme as a component of the Occupational Health and Safety Initiative under the National Health Strategy 2024-2030. The programme is a pioneering effort in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, designed to build national capacity in occupational health and improve the health and well-being of workers.
A scientific committee, including MoPH staff, WHO experts, and representatives, has been formed to outline the national implementation mechanism and identify trainees. The programme targets specialists and consultants in occupational, family, and community medicine. A recent training workshop was organized by MoPH, in collaboration with WHO offices, to train trainers on the new curriculum, which focuses on managing occupational injuries and diseases and conducting exposure assessments.
Dr. Salah Alyafei, Acting Director of the Health Promotion Department at MoPH, emphasized the programme’s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its role in promoting healthier work environments. Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, WHO Representative in Qatar, underscored the workshop’s significance in addressing workplace risks, particularly in light of lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Rola Imam from the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean praised the initiative’s leadership in training trainers and stressed the importance of participant feedback in refining the programme. Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Hajjaj, Head of the Occupational Health Section at MoPH, highlighted previous workshops’ success in training healthcare professionals and outlined future plans to further enhance occupational health practices.
The workshop included interactive sessions, clinical training skill enhancements, and group activities, training 19 experienced specialists to serve as trainers in the region. This collaborative effort aims to foster safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces across various sectors, contributing to the national and regional health goals.