Besides being distinguished by its comprehensiveness, diversity and efficiency in terms of both equipment and human resources, health care in the State of Qatar is based on the sober philosophy that medical care should be available for all residents of Qatar, citizens and expatriates alike.Health care establishments, cadres, curative and preventive medical services, and equipment have undergone substantial upgrading and improvements.

Health services are offered through an integrated link chain starting from the primary health care to the services extended by the major hospitals.

Qatar's healthcare sector has come a long way since the country's first hospital opened its doors almost 50 years ago. Today, the industry boasts the most advanced medical equipment and highly qualified staff, a countrywide network of hospitals and healthcare centers, as well as a cardiology department that is referred to by outside specialists as "one of the best in the world". And according to a report from the general secretariat of the GCC ministers of health, Qatar enjoys the region's lowest maternal mortality rate. Back in October 1957, Rumaillah Hospital opened as a 200-bed general hospital with ambulance services and a large outpatient facility. With the years, as the population's medical needs grew, the country decided that something had to be done and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was born to provide state-of the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Since its establishment in October 1979, HMC has become Qatar's leading non-profit healthcare provider through its network of Primary Health Care Centers and four highly specialized hospitals in the capital, Doha. At these HMC facilities, medical and dental treatment is free for Qataris and heavily state-subsidized for expatriates. Touse the facilities, residents and visitors are required to apply for a QR100 health card, which allows them to pay small charges for various tests and consultations as well as a nominal fee for inpatient care. Besides HMC, the Qatari government has also encouraged the private sector to play a greater role in providing healthcare to the public. The country's first private hospital opened in late 1999, and private practices and clinics (both medical and dental) now offer a full range of medical services, from rheumatology and dermatology to reflexology and home nursing care. Laws governing private practice are strict, and licensing by the Ministry of Public Health - which oversees all health services in the country - is mandatory for all establishments and each of their medical and nursing staff.
Not with standing that, private medical service facilities have expanded to represent 67% of al the country's health services providers, helping to ease the burden on HMC and the Primary Health Care Centers.