Qatari Minister of Public Health, Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari and her retinue visited Turkey between 30 October – 2 November 2017, with a view to improving cooperation in multiple fields of healthcare between Qatar and Turkey.

A bilateral meeting was held between the Visiting Delegation and the Turkish Minister of Health Dr. Ahmet Demircan on 31 October 2017. The improving relations between the two countries in all areas, and the subsequent build of momentum in the field of healthcare were emphasized in the meeting, and consensus was reached with respect to;

• The establishment of a joint working group between the Ministries of Health,

• cooperation in the strengthening of healthcare systems,

• boosting the potential of the domestic pharmaceuticals and medical devices industry,

• organizing training programs for healthcare personnel,

• improving patient mobility in health tourism,

• the Turkish Minister of Health conducting a working visit to Qatar.  

Her Excellency Dr. Al Kuwari and her retinue also visited the Health Disaster Coordination Center (SAKOM) operating under the Directorate General of Emergency Healthcare Services, and were briefed on healthcare services in emergencies and disasters. The Turkish Undersecretary of Health, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Gümüş also attended the meeting which concluded with presentations on the Pharmaceutical Track & Trace System and Health Tourism, delivered by the relevant units of the Ministry.

During their stay in Ankara, the Qatari delegation visited the Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, and the Bilkent City Hospital still under construction, as well as a number of private hospitals.