HMC introduces integrated psychiatric clinics to care for adult patients with intellectual disabilities

As part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy, in October the healthcare provider introduced a new integrated psychiatric service for adult patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Under the new program, specialized mental health services are being provided to patients with intellectual disabilities as part of their ongoing medical care. are working closely with HMC’s outpatient departments and the Primary Healthcare Corporation to identify an appropriate referral process for patients who have mild to moderate mental health needs that could be cared for outside the hospital environment.The Qatar National Mental Health Strategy is an important part of the National Health Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of existing and future generations through an integrated system that aims to achieve better health for all citizens. As the main provider of specialized mental healthcare in Qatar, HMC has been a strong supporter of the government’s ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of good mental health and wellbeing as a national priority and to improve access to mental healthcare services in the country.