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QATAR University College of Health Sciences (QU-CHS) recently hosted a seminar on 'The Impact of the Blockade on the Laboratory Sector and Food and Medicine Safety'.
The seminar was aimed to discuss the impact of the blockade on the laboratory sector and to highlight its effect on food and medicine safety.
The seminar was part of QU's series of events addressing the Qatar's blockade. It was delivered by Assistant Director of Medical Supplies at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Dr Zakia Mohammed al Baloushi, Supervisor of Medical Laboratories at Hamad Foundation Mona Sultan, and Manager of Food Safety and Environmental Health Division at Qatar's Ministry of Public Health Wasan al Baker.
Attendees included CHS Dean and Biomedical Research Center Director Prof Asma al Thani and CHS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr Ahmad Malki as well as CHS department heads, faculty, staff and students.
Dr Baloushi discussed the impact of the blockade on medicine safety. She highlighted the commitment of HMC to purchase medicines from around the world and their distribution across the HMC hospitals. She also underlined the significance of securing a higher stock for several months and of manufacturing medicines locally in line with the highest quality standards.
Sultan discussed the impact of the blockade on the laboratory sector. She noted that HMC established and implemented a strategic plan to address cases of crisis and emergency. She also noted that laboratories were supplied with the necessary equipment through supportive countries.
On food safety, Baker noted that the blockade contributed to accelerating the plans and strategies that support the achievement of economic independence and food self-sufficiency. She also pointed to the role of the private sector in facilitating the procedures of new domestic investments and the emergence of integrated initiatives to promote food sector and agricultural projects in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Baker also indicated that owing to the emergency plan which has been implemented on June 5, the blockade did not have any negative impact on the food sector.
Prof Asma said:"The health sector in Qatar has a great impact on the lives of the individuals, the society and the academic field. During the blockade, CHS continued in its efforts to support the community and show its students the impact of the blockade on the laboratory sector, pharmaceutical supplies and food safety. This seminar demonstrates how the country faced the crises through its wise leadership and the hard work of its citizens." (TNN)
