Al Wakra: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Al Wakra Hospital has been officially recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System Participant by the U.S.-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), one of the founding partners of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement.
According to Qatar News Agency, IHI is a leading, globally recognized not-for-profit health care improvement organization that has been applying evidence-based quality improvement methods to meet current and future health care challenges for more than 30 years.
This recognition highlights Al Wakra Hospital’s commitment to delivering age-friendly care to older adults. Al Wakra Hospital joins this movement to provide care for people aged 60 and over across HMC, alongside Rumailah Hospital, by integrating these essential, evidence-based practices into patient care.
Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, HMC’s Deputy Chief for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Geriatrics, and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital, has been a driving force behind this initiative. Her leadership in enhancing older adult care in Qatar was instrumental in earning this recognition.
“We are honored that Al Wakra Hospital has received this recognition for our care of senior citizens,” said Dr. Al Hamad. “This acknowledgment from IHI reflects the dedication of our multidisciplinary health care teams at Al Wakra Hospital in ensuring elderly patients receive timely, high-quality services. As Qatar’s elderly population continues to grow, we remain committed to advancing specialized health care services for those over 60.”
By implementing these elements of care, Al Wakra Hospital has improved outcomes for older patients and set an example for other health care providers in the region.
Dr. Omar Mohd Al Qahtani, CEO and Medical Director of Al Wakra Hospital, added: “Earning this participant status marks an important step in our journey toward excellence in age-friendly health care. This achievement reflects the commitment of our entire team. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the geriatrics department to ensure our elderly patients continue to receive the compassionate, personalized care they deserve.”
Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience and Director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute at HMC, commented: “I would like to congratulate the team at Al Wakra Hospital for their pursuit of excellence in elderly care. Our partnership with IHI has led to advancements in Qatar’s health care sector, including at Al Wakra Hospital. This recognition ensures that our patients receive care aligned with the highest international standards.”
Melissa Panagides-Busch, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), concluded, “We are proud to welcome Hamad Medical Corporation – Al Wakra Hospital as a participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative. Achieving this status demonstrates their commitment to delivering age-friendly care, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey toward health care excellence for older adults.”
The Age-Friendly Health Systems recognition reaffirms Hamad Medical Corporation’s leadership in advancing health care standards in Qatar and the region. Al Wakra Hospital’s achievement marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-based care environment for older adults, ensuring that aging populations receive the dignity and support they deserve throughout every stage of care.