Second JCA-SC meeting presented five-year academic plan for QU Health to key stakeholders from the health sector

The second meeting of the Joint Clinical Academic Steering Committee (JCA-SC) was organised by QU Health, part of Qatar University (QU), with members from key partner organisations in the health sector. The event was held in the presence of QU President Dr. Hassan Al Derham, and leaders from the university, QU Health and the health sector in Qatar. The purpose of the second JCA-SC meeting was to present to the key stakeholders from the health sector in Qatar the five-year academic plan for QU Health (2023-27) and discuss the need to initiate new academic programmes in light of the national health workforce needs. Updates were also provided to the members on progress towards achieving QU Health strategy deliverables. Further discussion took place in regard to the health and medical education model in major healthcare institutions in the country.

The importance of this meeting lies in providing a platform for communication and high-level guidance on strategic issues between QU Health and the main partners in the health sector including Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and Sidra Medicine. 

Dr. Al Derham noted the importance of this meeting for QU Health, and said: “QU Health is one of the most important rapidly growing section at Qatar University. This growth would have not been possible without cooperation with the main partners in the medical and health sector in the country.”

Prof. Dr. Asmaa Al Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences, emphasised the importance of this committee, adding: “The core of QU Health strategy revolves around integration in education, research and health care. This integration can only be achieved through joint efforts between QU Health and health care institutions in Qatar.”

Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Director of Medical Education at HMC said, “HMC is very proud to be an academic partner and a collaborator with Qatar University in its growing number of health profession programmes. Together, with other key partners, we are preparing the future, by building high quality, local health workforce for the health system and for the country. 

“Our active engagement with QU in the strategic planning and execution of both undergraduate and postgraduate health programmes is a key factor in our efforts towards implementing the National Health Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as strengthening of research in this important field.”

Dr. Al Marri, Assistant Minister for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Public Health, said investing in graduates of QU Health at Qatar University will enhance national health security in Qatar.