Latest news with #MoPH
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Positioning Qatari Products for Global Markets with GMP Standards
Qatar is actively diversifying its economy and expanding its global trade reach. As a result, the need for internationally recognized quality standards is rising. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across key industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and supplements. According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Qatar's pharmaceutical market is expected to grow to QAR 3.5 billion by 2027. This growth makes alignment with global standards like GMP more important than ever. By adopting GMP standards, Qatari businesses can meet international requirements, improve credibility, and access high-value markets like the GCC, Europe, and Asia. Whether in Doha, Al Rayyan, or Mesaieed, firms that meet GMP expectations are positioned as reliable suppliers. GMP ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It covers raw materials, factory conditions, hygiene, and staff training—reducing risks like contamination, recalls, and shipment rejections. Globally, over 50% of product recalls in regulated sectors are due to GMP violations. In 2022, the U.S. FDA issued more than 200 warning letters for non-compliance. These facts highlight the serious consequences of neglecting GMP. Importers, particularly in the EU and U.S., often require GMP certification. Without it, even quality products from Qatar may be denied entry. Hence, GMP is more than compliance—it's a strategic asset. Achieving GMP certification involves facility audits, process improvements, documentation, and staff training. For many companies, especially SMEs, navigating these steps alone is challenging. This is where GMP consultancy in Qatar becomes essential. Experienced consultants identify gaps, advise on improvements, and guide businesses through the compliance process. At Qdot, we've found that over 60% of new clients lack proper SOPs or internal audit procedures—common causes of inspection failures. Qdot is a trusted ISO and GMP consultancy based in Qatar. We work with businesses in Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, and beyond, helping them achieve and maintain GMP compliance. Our services include: GAP analysis and audit preparation SOP and documentation development Staff training programs Post-certification support We tailor our approach to meet each client's needs—from small food startups to large pharma companies. Today's global buyers demand proof of quality. For Qatari firms, GMP certification offers that proof—ensuring products are safe, consistent, and export-ready. As a GMP consultant, I've seen businesses transform through certification. Companies once struggling with basic compliance are now exporting confidently to Europe and Asia. GMP is not just a checklist—it's a long-term investment in quality. With Qdot's support, GMP certification becomes achievable and impactful. Now is the time to partner with expert GMP consultancy in Qatar and elevate your business to global standards. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH strengthens health technology assessment in Qatar
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has highlighted its commitment to strengthening national capabilities in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and health policy, having established a dedicated national unit in this field and developed a comprehensive assessment framework with clear standards. These efforts come as part of the twelfth outcome, "Excellence in Health Research, Development, and Innovation," under the third priority, "Efficiency and Resilience of the Health System," in the National Health Strategy 2024–2030. In that context, the MoPH has recently organized a high-level workshop to enhance national capacities in HTA and health policy, in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Hoffmann-La Roche. The workshop formed part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to entrench evidence-based decision-making across healthcare sectors and to promote long-term sustainability and resilience within Qatar's health system. The workshop reflected the MoPH's commitment to ensuring the effective and equitable allocation of health resources, supporting innovation through effective governance of emerging technologies, and enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of the health system. It also underscored the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving national health priorities. These efforts align with the goals of the Human Development Pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the priorities of the National Health Strategy, particularly in building a high-performing, efficient, person-centered, data-driven health system that is responsive to current and future health needs. The workshop was opened by Head of the National Health Technology Assessment Unit Project within the National Health Strategy at the MoPH Dr Anas Hamad emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the Ministry's objectives under its 2024–2030 strategy, improve health system outcomes, and build specialized national capacities in this field. Dr Hamad said: "The project to establish a national HTA unit is based on the third priority of the National Health Strategy, which focuses on efficiency and resilience, and is part of the twelfth outcome relating to excellence in research, development, and innovation. The HTA project is a pivotal initiative to develop an integrated and reliable framework to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making within Qatar's health system. Through systematic evaluation of the clinical, economic, and social impacts of modern health technologies, we aim to ensure the best health value for citizens and residents, and to enhance the sustainability of Qatar's health system. This workshop is a foundational step for this project, which will contribute to achieving a sustainable, high-quality, efficient, patient-centered, and prudent health system that meets the needs of current and future generations." In turn, General Manager of Hoffmann-La Roche in the Gulf region Dr Ahmed Tawfiq stressed the importance of unifying efforts between the public and private sectors to develop sustainability frameworks aligned with shared objectives. Dr Tawfiq said: "Today, we are working with our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and the London School of Economics and Political Science to achieve a shared goal of improving healthcare in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By building capacity in health technology assessment, we ensure that the right treatments reach the right patients at the right time, relying on the latest scientific evidence and modern technologies." Chair in Health Policy and Director of the LSE Health Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science Professor Elias Mossialos said: "The LSE is proud to deliver an intensive two-day training program for the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, focusing on key trends in healthcare, disease prevention and early diagnosis, and economic evaluation in healthcare as an essential tool for improving system performance and decision-making, in addition to HTA programs and value-based frameworks introduced by health innovations." The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the frameworks, capabilities, and key factors required to build an effective HTA structure. The focus was on applying real-world evidence to inform policy and investment decisions, and laying the foundation for the systematic and organized use of economic evaluation within Qatar's health policy framework.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, UK hold joint working group meeting on health sector cooperation
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the UK Department of Health and Social Care convened a Joint Working Group meeting via video conference to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas of healthcare. The Qatari delegation was led by Assistant Minister of Public Health for Health Affairs, HE Dr Salih Ali Al Marri, while the British side was headed by Fionn Craig, Deputy Director of Bilateral Relations and Trade. Discussions focused on antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence (AI) and data use in healthcare, the resilience of medical supply chains, and enhancing patient safety and quality of care. The meeting featured a comprehensive review of Qatar's national programme for combating antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical security measures, and strategies for securing antibiotics. The UK side shared updates on its post-UN General Assembly initiatives, including the establishment of an independent scientific committee on antimicrobial resistance. Both sides also explored advancements in digital health. Qatar presented the Qatar Health Information Exchange Platform and outlined its approach to workforce development and private sector collaboration. The UK highlighted its ten-year plan to shift to digital systems, as well as ethical and regulatory frameworks for AI integration in healthcare. Supply chain resilience and the role of AI in healthcare logistics were also examined, alongside Qatar's national framework for patient safety and capacity-building efforts. The UK delegation provided insights into its Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB), patient safety networks, and human factors expertise. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration in pursuit of safer, smarter, and more resilient healthcare systems.
Qatar Tribune
07-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH hosts a slew of events to mark World Food Safety Day
QNA Doha Held under the theme 'Food Safety — Science in Action', the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has organized a range of important activities and events to mark the World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7, and marked globally under the slogan 'Food Safety is Everyone's Business'. This year's event highlights the vital role that science plays in supporting policies and procedures designed to ensure food safety and protect consumer health. The occasion aims to reinforce global efforts to reduce the burden of foodborne illnesses and to emphasise that the responsibility for food safety lies with everyone, from farm to fork. To mark the occasion, MoPH launched an extensive awareness campaign across social media platforms, with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of food safety and promoting correct practices that help prevent exposure to food-related risks. Commenting on this, Director of the Food Safety Department at MoPH, Wasan Abdulla Al Baker, stated: 'The State of Qatar continues its efforts to strengthen food safety, recognising its importance as a fundamental requirement of food security, as food is not considered food unless it is safe.' She added that food safety plays a key role in limiting the spread of foodborne diseases. She emphasised that World Food Safety Day plays an active role in raising awareness among individuals and educating them on how to prevent these diseases. It also sheds light on the solutions and measures that can be adopted to ensure food safety from source to consumer. Al Baker said that the Food Safety Department at the MoPH has made significant progress in adopting a science-based approach as a cornerstone for strengthening the national food safety system. Among these achievements are capacity building in risk assessment and the implementation of related activities, which have enabled the department to respond effectively to food incidents and take the necessary actions based on accurate data and reliable scientific evidence. The department has also established an internal scientific research team responsible for setting priorities for food safety research, directly supervising the completion of related studies in line with the Ministry's vision and objectives. In addition, the department has consistently supported and developed its laboratory services by continuously expanding the scope of accredited analytical methods at the Ministry's Food Safety Laboratories. As part of the World Food Safety Day activities, the Ministry organized a workshop entitled 'The Role of Science in Supporting Food Safety Regulatory Decisions', held at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City (HBKMC). The workshop covered several key topics, including the importance of relying on scientific data and credible evidence when formulating policies and making decisions related to food safety and consumer protection, as well as the exchange of experiences and expertise among the relevant parties. Key topics included Qatar's scientific framework for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of food analyses to support evidence-based decision making, global research trends in food safety, and science-based decision making for safer food. The workshop also included a presentation on the role of science as a driver for transforming the food system, the development of technical regulations and food standards, and the assessment of risks that threaten plant health. The workshop further addressed the importance of surveillance systems in the early detection of foodborne disease outbreaks and reviewed MoPH's experience in managing food incidents and emergencies. In addition, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, organised a children's drawing competition for Shafallah students on the theme of food safety. The children's artwork was displayed at the World Food Safety Day exhibition. Representatives from the Ministry also delivered a bilingual lecture in Arabic and English for Shafallah Centre staff, covering the principles of food safety and ways to prevent foodborne diseases. Furthermore, the World Food Safety Day celebrations included an educational event for children aged 3 to 12 years at Qatar Mall, organised by MoPH with the aim of building a culture of food safety in the community. This was achieved by instilling healthy principles and practices in children through learning, play and practical experience. The event featured educational games, drawing and colouring activities, interactive microscope demonstrations and the distribution of symbolic gifts to children to emphasize the importance of food safety.
Qatar Tribune
07-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH organises key activities and events to mark World Food Safety Day
DOHA: Held under the theme 'Food Safety - Science in Action', the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has organised a range of important activities and events to mark the World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7, and marked globally under the slogan 'Food Safety is Everyone's Business'. This year's event highlights the vital role that science plays in supporting policies and procedures designed to ensure food safety and protect consumer health. The occasion aims to reinforce global efforts to reduce the burden of foodborne illnesses and to emphasize that the responsibility for food safety lies with everyone, from farm to fork. To mark the occasion, MoPH launched an extensive awareness campaign across social media platforms, with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of food safety and promoting correct practices that help prevent exposure to food-related risks. Commenting on this, Director of the Food Safety Department at MoPH, Wasan Abdulla Al Baker, stated: "The State of Qatar continues its efforts to strengthen food safety, recognizing its importance as a fundamental requirement of food security, as food is not considered food unless it is safe." She added that food safety plays a key role in limiting the spread of foodborne diseases. She emphasized that World Food Safety Day plays an active role in raising awareness among individuals and educating them on how to prevent these diseases. It also sheds light on the solutions and measures that can be adopted to ensure food safety from source to consumer. Al Baker said that the Food Safety Department at the Ministry has made significant progress in adopting a science-based approach as a cornerstone for strengthening the national food safety system. Among these achievements are capacity building in risk assessment and the implementation of related activities, which have enabled the department to respond effectively to food incidents and take the necessary actions based on accurate data and reliable scientific evidence. The department has also established an internal scientific research team responsible for setting priorities for food safety research, directly supervising the completion of related studies in line with the Ministry's vision and objectives. In addition, the department has consistently supported and developed its laboratory services by continuously expanding the scope of accredited analytical methods at the Ministry's Food Safety Laboratories. As part of the World Food Safety Day activities, the Ministry organised a workshop entitled 'The Role of Science in Supporting Food Safety Regulatory Decisions', held at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City (HBKMC). The workshop covered several key topics, including the importance of relying on scientific data and credible evidence when formulating policies and making decisions related to food safety and consumer protection, as well as the exchange of experiences and expertise among the relevant parties. Key topics included Qatar's scientific framework for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of food analyses to support evidence-based decision making, global research trends in food safety, and science-based decision making for safer food. The workshop also included a presentation on the role of science as a driver for transforming the food system, the development of technical regulations and food standards, and the assessment of risks that threaten plant health. The workshop further addressed the importance of surveillance systems in the early detection of foodborne disease outbreaks and reviewed MoPH's experience in managing food incidents and emergencies. In addition, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, organized a children's drawing competition for Shafallah students on the theme of food safety. The children's artwork was displayed at the World Food Safety Day exhibition. Representatives from the Ministry also delivered a bilingual lecture in Arabic and English for Shafallah Centre staff, covering the principles of food safety and ways to prevent foodborne diseases. Furthermore, the World Food Safety Day celebrations included an educational event for children aged 3 to 12 at Qatar Mall, organised by MoPH with the aim of building a culture of food safety in the community. This was achieved by instilling healthy principles and practices in children through learning, play and practical experience. The event featured educational games, drawing and coloring activities, interactive microscope demonstrations and the distribution of symbolic gifts to children to emphasize the importance of food safety.
