Owing to Qatar’s small population and the numerous medical facilities in the private and public sectors, long waiting lists are almost unheard of. For specialised treatment, however, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical assistance outside Qatar, and locals who can afford it often do so. Members of the ruling families and wealthy Arabs invariably have all major operations outside their own territory, particularly in London and American cities. Although some of Qatar’s doctors and medical staff are local, the vast majority are foreign and were trained in their home countries. The attraction of Qatar for them is the same as for most other expatriates: financial reward.
American Mission Hospitals, which used to operate on a part-private (for those who could afford treatment), part-free (for those who couldn’t) basis, played an important part in the development of medical services and can still be found today, although they no longer offer free treatment. Qatar now has a public health service providing free or very low cost health care for its nationals and it’s important to note that these services are also available to expatriates. Tourists visiting Qatar should have travel insurance that includes cover for private medical treatment, but they also have access to state medical facilities in the case of emergencies.
Among expatriates, common health problems include alcoholism (particularly among bachelors, owing to loneliness and depression) and respiratory problems caused by sand and dust in the air – a situation exacerbated by continuous building work in most states. Hard work and long hours in often extreme heat can also affect the immune system and compromise the body’s ability to counter illness. Expatriates – particularly manual workers – can suffer sunstroke and sunburn. You should be excused work outdoors if the temperature reaches 50oC (122oF), which isn’t uncommon at the height of summer, although it’s unusual for work to be stopped under these conditions. In the summer, humidity causes added discomfort, with eye infections common. Dehydration is also a threat and is a potentially fatal condition that shouldn’t be underestimated – not only by those working outdoors but also by anyone playing outdoor sports, including ‘leisurely’ pursuits such as golf.
The ‘winter’ months of October to March, however, bring some of the best weather anywhere in the world, with continuous warm sunshine generating a feeling of well-being and providing the opportunity for a wholesome, outdoor lifestyle. Good weather is also beneficial to mental health, and people in Qatar tend to be happier and livelier than those who have to cope with cold, wet, depressing climates.
For more information on expat health, health care, insurance and related issues in Qatar, check out our expat health blog at ExpatHealth.org .