Government approves opening of complementary medicine centres in Qatar

A lot of people in Qatar use alternate medicines including homeopathy and Ayurveda, but do not have many avenues to consult doctors in the country.

But that situation could soon change, thanks to the Cabinet giving its nod to a draft decision of HE the Minister of Public Health defining the requirements and specifications of complementary medicine centres.

The draft decision identified complementary medicine as an addition of some special practices, involving alternative treatment, to modern medicinereported Qatar News Agency.

Alternative medicine treatment is a set of skills and practices based on experience, which is used to diagnose, treat or maintain health as well as prevent physical and psychological ailments. It is different to the means of treatment used in modern medicine.

In January, the Ministry of Public Health had approved the practice of complementary medicinal treatment such as hijama/wet cupping, chiropractic, homoeopathy, ayurveda and acupuncture in the country.

The Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners then started an implementation plan to regulate complementary medicine practices in Qatar. It was taken to provide a legal framework to ensure that the benefits of these practices could be enjoyed without unnecessary risks, reported Gulf Times.

Only licensed and qualified practitioners are issued a medical licence and allowed to practise in Qatar.