The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, has developed an advanced occupational and environmental medicine programme. This programme is part of the Second National Health Strategy’s occupational health objectives. The objective of the programme is to improve the health and well-being of the population by implementing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Initiative. A work plan has been established to implement the advanced programme and a scientific committee has been formed to study and outline a mechanism for national implementation.
The advanced occupational and environmental medicine programme is the first of its kind in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. In line with this, the MoPH recently organized a training workshop for trainers on the programme, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WHO Country Office in Qatar. The workshop aimed to build national capacity in the field of occupational health in Qatar by updating knowledge and skills in occupational and environmental medicine, sharing experiences among participants, and addressing challenges in applying professional practices at the national level.
During the workshop, concepts such as occupational diseases, work-related illnesses, and occupational health and safety were reviewed and clarified. The goal was to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to identify and manage occupational injuries and diseases, as well as to conduct occupational and environmental exposure assessments. The importance of trainees’ efforts in enhancing their knowledge and skills to build the capacity of health practitioners nationwide was stressed. Dr Salah Alyafei, Acting Director of the Health Promotion Department at MoPH, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of workers, highlighting the direct impact of workers’ health on the national economy and sustainable development.
Dr Rayana Bou-Haka, WHO Representative in Qatar, also highlighted the importance of the training workshop in achieving shared objectives between the WHO and MoPH. The workshop aimed to implement programmes that enhance knowledge and skills for addressing and preventing workplace risks across various sectors. Overall, the collaboration between the Ministry, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, and the WHO Country Office in Qatar underscores the commitment to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 and fostering healthier, safer, and more productive work environments.
In conclusion, the advanced occupational and environmental medicine programme developed by the MoPH in collaboration with the WHO aims to improve the health and well-being of the population through the implementation of the OHS Initiative. The programme, the first of its kind in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, provides healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to manage occupational injuries and diseases. By organizing training workshops and building national capacity in the field of occupational health, the Ministry is working towards achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 and creating healthier, safer, and more productive work environments.
