With a variety of events held under the theme “Qatar Will Remain Free” قطر ستبقى حرة"”, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) joined the country in commemorating Qatar National Day with cultural and fun activities held across its network of hospitals and facilities.
Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, attended HMC’s National Day celebration activities, which saw participation from patients and their families, visitors, and staff. The events were symbolic of Qatar’s history, heritage, and traditions.
Commenting on HMC’s activities, Her Excellency Dr. Al Kuwari said: “Qatar National Day is an important occasion for everyone in Qatar to come together as a nation to celebrate our country and recognize how far we have come through the vision and drive of our wise leadership. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in terms of healthcare in Qatar. Our facilities and services continue to develop, improve, and grow year on year and I am proud to see staff from across HMC who have all contributed to this growth paying tribute to our beloved nation. Today’s activities highlight the pride HMC staff, their patients, and the public take in our country and in HMC as an organization. We see this through their celebration of Qatar’s history and traditions as well as a shared commitment to promoting and learning about health and healthy living.”
In a comment on HMC’s participation in Qatar National Day activities, Mr. Ali Abdulla Al Khater, Chief Communications Officer at HMC and Chair of the Ministry of Public Health’s Healthcare Communications Committee, said: “As well as expressing our pride in Qatar’s history, heritage, and traditions, HMC’s celebrations highlighted the significance of this prominent day to members of the public, our staff, and our patients. Everyone who attended one of HMC’s National Day celebrations had the opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate their collective pride in our country.”
Mr. Al Khater added: “Qatar National Day is a time to celebrate Qatar - our cherished country, as well as its great leadership, which continuously inspires prosperity and a positive national spirit. It is also a time to reflect on our nation’s remarkable success and rich cultural identity. Qatar’s rapid rise on the world stage has been underpinned by a spirit of unity, harmony, determination, and progress, driven by our nation’s leaders and their wise and far-reaching vision.”
“This same spirit is proudly reflected by citizens and expatriates working across HMC who follow in the footsteps of our ancestors in building and developing our nation. They contribute to our beloved country’s success through their unwavering efforts to provide the best possible care to our patients and to ensure the health and wellbeing of our beloved nation. We are extremely proud of their contribution to shaping the future of our country and celebrate the opportunity to come together to mark and celebrate Qatar’s day of national pride,” concluded Mr. Al Khater.
On 13 December staff from a number of HMC hospitals took part in a Flag Relay organized by the Qatar Olympic Committee. This was the relay’s second year following its launch at last year’s Qatar National Day celebrations. The relay encouraged a sense of national identity, pride, and unity. HMC staff had the opportunity to raise the Qatari flag and flag-bearers carried the flag to key landmarks across the country, including seven of HMC’s leading hospitals and facilities.
A wide range of recreational and cultural activities were organized for patients, families, and staff across HMC to showcase Qatar’s rich traditions and history. Some hospitals displayed Qatari crafts and folklore, with others organizing performances highlighting the various aspects of Qatari culture. Some facilities treated visitors and patients to a traditional café offering Qatari cuisine. There were also silent character performances, henna artists, and traditional poetry recitals
Qatar National Day celebrations at Al Khor Hospital, Hamad General Hospital, Wakra Hospital, The Cuban Hospital, and Hazm Mubaireek Hospital took place on 16 December, with celebratory events held at the Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Qatar Rehabilitation Center, Ambulatory Care Center, and the Human Resources, Engineering, and Transportation Departments on 17 December.
Attendees at these events learned about healthy living from HMC staff, with clinical teams providing information on nutrition and exercise. Additionally, free basic health checks were provided, including blood pressure and sugar checks.
In recognition of both Qatar National Day and the World Day for Persons with Disabilities, the Health Professions Awareness and Volunteering Program at HMC organized celebratory events for patients with special needs at the Communicable Diseases Center, the Enaya Center in Muaither, Heart Hospital, and the Psychiatry Department. The group also organized an event on 13 December at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research for patients receiving cancer treatment.
Staff from HMC’s Ambulance Service and the Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP), the community outreach arm of the Hamad Trauma Center, took part in Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saai. Representatives of HMC’s Ambulance Service educated the public about the key messages of its ‘Know the 5 to Save a Life’ national awareness campaign and provided visitors with information on the importance of road safety.
