Qatar Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in qatar, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Medical Equipment and Services
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Overview

Healthcare continues to be a priority for the Qatari leadership. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare was a national spending priority due to the important role of the National Health Strategy within Qatar National Vision 2030. The Qatari government is constantly upgrading the quality of its health services, drawing heavily on imported technology and equipment, as well as international expertise and knowledge. According to industry estimates, the market for medical equipment will grow over the next five years, and will rely heavily on imports from Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Qatar’s strong interest in importing medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare technologies, and supplies from the United States is driven by two factors: (1) the rise of new construction projects for hospitals and health care centers and the Cedars Sinai facility opened in late 2022; and (2) Qatar’s limited local production capacity in this area. Qataris needing advanced medical treatment have historically taken advantage of specialized treatment options overseas (including in the United States). However, under Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar has ambitious plans underway to expand its network of specialized care facilities in Qatar.

A healthcare law had been implemented to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services at an affordable cost. This law mandates that all residents, including expatriates, have health insurance coverage and sets minimum standards for healthcare facilities. It also aims to improve the overall health of the population by promoting preventive care and disease management.

Rising cases of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes can be traced to lifestyle. Qatar National Vision 2030 calls for coverage of preventive and curative healthcare (both physical and mental) and an integrated system of healthcare offering high-quality services through public and private institutions. Additionally, the population in general has become more conscious of holistic health, proper diet and exercise, natural/organic foods, smaller portions, veganism, vegetarianism, and clean eating. U.S. firms in the healthcare sector that focus on chronic disease care (products and services) and U.S. companies offering health-conscious products and supplements are in demand.

The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup was a significant marker for Qatar as there was a large need for healthcare access, networks, and the infrastructure that met the demands of the huge influx of visitors for the games.

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

  • Medical Equipment
  • Medical Supplies
  • Specialized medical services, including for persons with special needs
  • Healthcare technology, including but not limited to telemedicine
  • Training
  • E-health technology,
  • Insurance (expatriate insurance and short-term, tourist/travel insurance).

Opportunities

The Qatar Healthcare Facilities Master Plan, the country’s first guide for managing the growth of healthcare infrastructure, outlines more opportunities for U.S. business partnerships. The full plan aims to deliver 48 new facilities that range from primary health care centers, diagnostic and treatment centers, pharmacies, hospital expansions and the building of both general and specialized hospitals, and the acquisition of cutting-edge technology and major medical equipment.

Hamad Medical Cooperation has unveiled a new 15-year master plan that includes doubling the number of hospital beds and operating theaters in the country and tripling car parking provisions by 2030.

The healthcare sector is continuing to witness reform initiatives. One of the reforms includes broadening public-private partnerships and giving the private sector a larger role in the provision of healthcare services.

In addition, the Weill-Cornell Medicine School in Qatar (WCMQ), located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, is a joint venture between the Qatar Foundation and Cornell University. This research-intensive medical institution is a unique facet of the U.S.-Qatar partnership that U.S. businesses could explore to develop new projects, particularly in areas such as healthcare technology, data management, telemedicine support/training, and other educational tools. 

Trade Shows

World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) – November 13 and 14, 2024.
Venue: Qatar National Conference Center (QNCC), Doha, Qatar. WISH, an Initiative of Qatar Foundation, is an annual conference on healthcare that highlights developments and key trends. Healthcare industry experts are encouraged to participate, engage with key healthcare sector players in Qatar, and speak on panels, if the opportunity presents itself.

Resources

Hamad Medical Corporation
Sidra Medicine

Contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy for more information.