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Article: Easing the strain on healthcare: in a radical overhaul of the sector, Qatar is planning to introduce compulsory health insurance for expatriates, develop its infrastructure and recruit local workers.(HEALTH)
- Article from:
- MEED Middle East Economic Digest
- Article date:
- February 8, 2008
- Author:
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Qatar is preparing far-reaching reforms of its healthcare sector, encompassing compulsory medical insurance for expatriates, improving healthcare infrastructure in Doha, developing the flagship Doha Medical City and recruiting nationals to its medical workforce.
Its per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of $72,634 (QR264,218) in 2007 was the third highest in the world, behind only Luxembourg and Norway, according to the IMF.
Lifestyles and diets have changed dramatically in three generations, and diseases of affluence, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are increasing. Some 15 per cent of Qataris have been diagnosed with diabetes--double the ...