Qatari health insurance system, launch of the 2nd phase

The Qatari government has initiated the 2nd phase of their health insurance system. It will provide free health coverage to all Qataris. It will cover, according to Falih Hussain, assistant secretary general of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), "hospital services (internal and external), preventive care, physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, emergency care, durable medical equipment, medicines, X-rays and laboratory analysis."

Around thirty hospitals, both public and private, have filed formal requests to be part of this system.

Launched last July, the first phase of the plan already provides comprehensive health insurance to women and girls over the age of 12, for obstetric, gynecological and medical care.

Note that the completion of all phases of the system is planned for 2015.