Qatar, WHO collaborate on revolutionary health information system for rehabilitation

Doha, Qatar: In a landmark development that heralds a transformative era for rehabilitation healthcare, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the World...

Doha, Qatar: In a landmark development that heralds a transformative era for rehabilitation healthcare, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with the support of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), have united to announce a pioneering agreement. This collaboration will see the implementation of the Rehabilitation Module of Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS) named the Rehabilitation Data System (RDS) in Qatar, marking Qatar as one of the first countries in the world to undertake this significant transformation.  The move is poised to catalyse a regional shift towards a unified and standardized approach to rehabilitation care, potentially extending its influence on neighbouring countries within the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) sphere.

Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, the Deputy Chief of Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, and Geriatrics, and the Lead of Rehabilitation Therapy Services at HMC, who spearheaded the initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The partnership with WHO to implement the RHIS marks a major step forward for our healthcare system. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Health Strategy to provide high-quality, patient-centred care. By leveraging advanced health information systems, we are ensuring that our rehabilitation services meet international standards and address the unique needs of our population.”

Dr Al Hamad added, “The RDS initiative is more than just an advancement in healthcare technology; it’s a commitment to the people of Qatar and the region. By standardizing rehabilitation care, we are ensuring that every patient receives the best possible rehabilitation care based on the latest evidence and data.”

“With the Rehabilitation Module of Routine Health Information Systems, we are not just changing how we work; we are changing how we plan for rehabilitation care,” Dr Wouter De Groote, technical advisor at WHO. “It’s about building a system that is proactive, predictive, and patient-centred.” The RHIS, a module developed in alignment with the WHO’s global standards, is designed to revolutionize the way rehabilitation data is collected, analysed and utilized. By integrating this system, Qatar is taking a bold step towards enhancing the quality, accessibility and efficiency of rehabilitation services, ensuring they are tailored to the specific needs of individuals requiring care.

Dr Rayana Bou Haka,WHO Country Officer of Qatar highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The implementation of the RDS in Qatar sets a precedent for the region. By adopting a standardized health information system, Qatar is not only advancing its own healthcare capabilities but also providing a model for other countries to follow. This collaboration is pivotal in the integration of data systems to enhance the quality and efficiency of rehabilitation services globally.”