Doha

‎Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) joined the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) in the Seha Tent activities held from December 18 to 20 at Darb Al Saai in celebration of Qatar National Day. A total of 159,756 people visited the health tent.

The presence of HMC in the Darb Al Saai events offered the visitors, especially families and children, the opportunity to learn about HMC’s healthcare services as well as benefit from the training and education initiatives provides for the general public.

“A team of professionals from HMC was present at the health tent to provide free medical check-ups, including blood pressure test, eye test, diabetes and dental check-up. The team also provided information on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. HMC also held a variety of activities for the families and children, providing an educational, entertaining and interactive experience,” said Aisha al-Khulaifi, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at HMC and supervisor of HMC’s activities for this year’s celebrations.

Al-Khulaifi explained that the activities organised for children aimed at educating them on how to do physical and sports exercises, provide tips on maintaining a healthy diet, and the value of practicing good oral and body hygiene.

HMC’s blood donation centre participated in the activities through a blood donation campaign aimed at promoting a culture of voluntary blood donation in Qatar.

“We arranged an interactive programme and distributed pamphlets, booklets and posters featuring the importance of blood donation and its health benefits. We familiarised visitors with HMC’s blood transfusion services, given that the Blood Donation Centre is the principal blood donor centre in Qatar and is responsible for providing the nation with safe and adequate blood supplies,” said Siddiqa al-Mahmoudi, medical director, HMC’s Blood Donor Centre.

Al-Mahmoudi said 442 people donated blood during the Darb Al Saai events, adding that donation helped the blood bank to maintain its stock.

A number of students from preparatory and intermediate schools showed great interest and attention during the staff’s explanation of the phlebotomy process. The students learned about the work of the blood donor team and the latest technology used for blood transfusion and phlebotomy at HMC, and expressed a desire to become voluntary blood donors in the future.