Patient problems

Dear Sir,

The public health sector in Qatar faces some major challenges. Patients often find it difficult to get consultations at some clinics, probably because of the rush there. I visited the men’s health clinic No 21 in Muntazah for three days in a row but could not see a doctor there as “it didn’t have any more appointment numbers”, or so I am told at the reception.
If one wants to get a consultation, one has to come to this clinic quite early to get a number so that a doctor will see you from 7am onwards, depending on the number of patients. At the reception  I was told during my visits that there were not enough doctors at the clinic. What should the patients do then? I have no idea.
Last year, when I fell sick once and could not see a doctor at the clinic,  I went to the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Emergency section at least twice to get treatment.   I am sorry to say that I could not see a doctor both the times. The staff there explained to me that  their section would only deal with “emergency cases”.
I could, of course, go to a private clinic as I could not see a doctor at the public health clinic and the  HMC Emergency section, you might say,  but I really could not afford its fee and its expensive medicines.
Proper healthcare facilities should be available free to low-income people.

EJ, (Full name and address supplied)

Facilities at Barwa Village

Dear Sir,

It is great to know that access to Barwa Village in Wakrah and its facilities are getting better day by day (Gulf Times, February 1). As a resident, I am happy about the services available at the residential-cum-commercial complex now.
As more stores open at Barwa Village, its residents need not have to come to Doha  for  their regular shopping. This means less driving for them on busy roads and less tension.

NH, (Full name and address supplied)

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