Doha, Qatar – The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced adjusted operating hours for its health centers during the National Day holiday on Thursday, December 18th. A significant number of centers will remain open to provide essential healthcare services to residents, ensuring continued access to medical attention during the national celebration. The PHCC’s plan aims to balance public holiday observance with the ongoing need for medical care.
Specifically, 21 of the 31 PHCC health centers will operate with family medicine and supporting services available continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on December 18th. These centers are strategically located across the country to serve a wide range of communities. Dental services will also be available at these locations from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with Al Jumailiya Health Center providing 24-hour on-call support.
National Day Healthcare Availability in Qatar
The PHCC’s decision to maintain services at many centers reflects Qatar’s commitment to public health, even during national holidays. This proactive approach is designed to minimize disruption to patient care and prevent overcrowding at emergency facilities. The availability of primary care is particularly important for managing chronic conditions and addressing non-emergency health concerns.
Centers Operating with Extended Hours
The following health centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on December 18th: Al Wakra, Al Mashaf, Al Thumama, Airport, Rawdat Al Khail, Omar bin Al Khattab, Al Sadd, West Bay, Al Ruwais, Al Khor, Leabaib, Umm Slal, Gharafa Al Rayyan, Khalifa City, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Al Rayyan, Mesaimeer, Muaither, Al Sheehaniya, and Al Wajbah. These centers will offer a range of services, including consultations, minor treatments, and routine check-ups.
However, some centers will be closed entirely during the holiday. These include South Wakra, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Waab, Abu Nakhla, Umm Al Seneem, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Dhaayen, and Qatar University health centers. According to the PHCC, Al Kaaban and Al Karaana centers will only accept urgent adult cases.
For those requiring immediate medical attention, 13 health centers will provide 24-hour urgent care services. These are: Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Kaaban, Al Karaana, Al Ruwais, Umm Slal, Leabaib, Muaither, Al Mashaf, Al Sadd, and Al Wajbah. Additionally, seven centers – Al Ruwais, Umm Slal, Leabaib, Muaither, Al Mashaf, Al Sadd, and Al Wajbah – will be equipped to handle urgent pediatric cases.
Beyond general practice, the PHCC has also outlined the availability of specialty clinics. Appointments already scheduled for ophthalmology, dermatology, and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services will be honored at Leabaib and Rawdat Al Khail health centers from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Premarital screening will be offered at Leabaib Health Center from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and at Al Mashaf Health Center from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Residents seeking medical advice but not requiring an in-person visit can utilize the Community Call Center, which will operate around the clock at (16000). This service provides a convenient way to access medical consultation and guidance. The PHCC encourages individuals to call the center for non-emergency medical inquiries, potentially reducing the strain on open health centers. This is part of a broader effort to improve access to healthcare in Qatar.
Looking ahead, the PHCC will likely revert to its standard operating hours following the National Day holiday. It remains to be seen whether the adjusted hours will impact patient flow at the open centers, and the PHCC will likely monitor usage to inform future holiday scheduling decisions. Further updates regarding medical facilities and services can be found on the PHCC’s official website and social media channels.
The Peninsula Qatar is the source for this report.
