Doha, Qatar – Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is making significant strides in geriatric care with its specialized services focused on promoting healthy aging among Qatar’s growing elderly population. Specifically, the Sarcopenia Clinic at Rumailah Hospital has provided treatment to 641 older adults since its launch in 2023, addressing a condition that impacts strength, mobility, and independence. Increased demand for these services, with new patient registrations up 83% in 2025 compared to 2024, underscores the importance of proactive sarcopenia management.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to improve healthcare for seniors, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on healthy aging. HMC’s commitment to this demographic is particularly relevant given Qatar’s increasing life expectancy and the associated rise in age-related health challenges. The program aims to not only treat existing conditions but also to prevent their onset and progression.
Understanding and Addressing Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, characterized by the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern. According to the WHO, it is strongly linked to adverse outcomes such as falls, fractures, disability, and increased hospitalization rates. Early detection and intervention are crucial to mitigating these risks and improving quality of life for older adults.
The Sarcopenia Clinic at Rumailah Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to managing this condition. This includes a thorough geriatric assessment to identify individual needs and risk factors, as well as specialized diagnostic tools. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is utilized to accurately measure muscle mass, providing a baseline for treatment and monitoring progress.
Comprehensive Care Services
The clinic’s services extend beyond diagnosis to encompass personalized treatment plans. These plans typically involve a combination of tailored exercise programs designed to build strength and improve function, and targeted nutritional guidance to support muscle health. Regular reassessment and follow-up appointments are integral to ensuring the effectiveness of the interventions.
Additionally, the clinic focuses on frailty, a distinct but related syndrome of decreased physiological reserve. Addressing frailty alongside sarcopenia allows for a more holistic and effective approach to geriatric care. This integrated strategy aims to optimize physical and cognitive function, promoting overall well-being.
Clinical data from HMC demonstrates positive outcomes for patients treated at the Sarcopenia Clinic. Improvements have been observed in key areas such as muscle strength, balance, and walking speed. Perhaps more importantly, patients consistently report increased confidence and a greater ability to perform daily activities independently.
The impact extends to fall prevention as well. The report indicates that patients previously at high risk of falls have exhibited safer movement patterns and improved stability following treatment. This reduction in fall risk translates to fewer injuries and a decreased need for emergency medical care.
The success of the Sarcopenia Clinic highlights the growing recognition of the importance of specialized care for the elderly. Qatar’s investment in this area reflects a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services that meet the evolving needs of its population. Preventive medicine and maintaining functional ability are key components of this strategy.
Looking ahead, HMC plans to expand its geriatric care services further, potentially including outreach programs to promote early detection of muscle loss in the community. The Ministry of Public Health is also expected to release updated guidelines on healthy aging based on the clinic’s findings and international best practices. Continued monitoring of patient outcomes and adaptation of treatment protocols will be essential to ensure the long-term success of these initiatives.
The ongoing evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and potential scalability will be a key area to watch in the coming months. Further research is also needed to understand the long-term impact of early intervention on the progression of age-related decline and the overall health of Qatar’s senior citizens.
