HMC officials cutting the ribbon to declare the exhibition open. Right: Officials visiting various exhibitors’ stands during the event.

In an effort to encourage and attract more university students to the healthcare profession, the Health Profession Awareness Committee (HAC) and Volunteers Programme at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with Qatar University (QU)’s Medical Clinic, recently organised the third Health Exhibition for the university’s female students.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Balqees al-Khazraji, head of HAC and Volunteer Programmes at HMC; Dr Khalid al-Ali, associate vice-president for Academic Affairs at QU; Dr Omar Zaghmout, deputy director of HMC’s Department of Medical Education; and Dr Hessa Hashad, head of Medical Clinic at QU.

Dr al-Khazraji said the exhibition was held as part of an ongoing collaboration between HMC and QU to reinforce to students the importance of working in the public health field and encourage them to follow a healthy lifestyle.

She also explained that the exhibition not only showcased some of the services offered at HMC and other health organisations, but also played a role in encouraging students to consider participating in some of the voluntary programmes taking place across Qatar.

Around 60 organisations, including different departments of HMC such as Hamad International Training Centre (HITC), took part in the exhibition.

Students received first-aid training from HITC and learnt about sleep disorders and respiratory diseases from specialists working at Hamad General Hospital. A Smoking Cessation Clinic was also present to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and to provide advice on how to stop.

Other HMC departments in attendance included the Health Nutrition Department, which offered students healthy eating tips as well as advice about combating obesity and preventing malnutrition-related illnesses.

HMC’s Nursing Department was also present at the exhibition, familiarising students with the nursing profession and providing advice about how to apply for the scholarships offered by HMC to Qataris wishing to study nursing at the University of Calgary.

Another HMC department in attendance at the exhibition was Rumailah Hospital’s Psychiatric Department. Staff highlighted the importance of the psychiatry profession to students as well as the maintenance of good mental health.

Other participants included Heart Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, The Cuban Hospital, Supreme Council of Health, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Environment, Qatar Diabetes Association, Qatar Red Crescent, Sheikh Eid Bin Mohamed Charity (female branch) and Masjid Al-Aqsa Middle School.