Hamad Medical Corporation makes cancer treatment free for all residents in Qatar

Cancer is a disease that can happen to anyone at any time. Once a patient is diagnosed with the disease, treatment for it usually begins in right earnest.

However, at least for some of them, the heavy costs involved would be a grave concern.

Cancer patients living in Qatar can heave a sigh of relief as the Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Oncology Department has made cancer treatment for residents completely free of cost, reported Gulf Times.      

“Before, the state covered 80% of the oncology treatment for resident patients and the rest 20% was paid for by the cancer patient. However, recently the remaining 20% is also covered to provide free treatment to citizens and residents,” Dr Osama Al Homsi, who is the chairman and senior consultant of Haematology and Oncology at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, told The Peninsula.

“The free treatment is helping many patients, especially since 20% of the amount can sometimes be huge, because of the high price of cancer drugs. This is a good decision by the State and we’re happy with it,” he added.

“There’s continuous progress in the treatment of tumors and medicines in general and we’re keen to bring everything new in the treatment of tumors, especially with regard to immunological drugs, and have a good impact in controlling diseases.”

“There’re lots of researches happening in this area and this leads to positive results. We’ll import any medicine that we need for the health of our patients to be included in the list of recognized medicines in the country,” he added.

Picture courtesy: Qatar Tribune