MoPH launches certification for physicians in obesity management

Published: 24 September 2024

Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with the Qatar Metabolic Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation (QMI-HMC), the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and in coordination with the National Diabetes Committee at the MoPH, has launched a certification for physicians in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care. This programme is an innovative educational and training initiative.

The six-month programme is designed to equip primary care physicians with the specialised knowledge and skills necessary to effectively combat obesity. The programme is CPD (Continuous Professional Development) accredited by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) at the Ministry of Public Health.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes Department at the Ministry of Public Health, called for immediate and decisive action against obesity in Qatar. He highlighted that obesity significantly increases the risk of serious illnesses, including diabetes and cancer, and stressed the urgent need for continuous evidence-based interventions at the community level.

Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani said, “Empowering our physicians with the tools and knowledge to address obesity proactively is not just an initiative, it’s a critical mission for the health of our nation. Through this program, we are ensuring that primary care providers are equipped to tackle obesity with both the expertise and compassion needed to make a real and lasting impact on public health across Qatar.”