The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has provided, through the Local Organising Committee (LOC), world class health provision for all the players taking part in the AFC U23 Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The provision of appropriate emergency and non-emergency medical services at the AFC U23 tournament is the operational responsibility of the LOC, under the supervision and guidance of the AFC.
The emergency medical services at the competition venues as well as specialised hospital care have been set up to international standards and AFC guidelines.
The LOC Medical Team, under the leadership of Chief Medical Officer Dr Gert Goudswaard, has comprised specialists from Aspetar, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital; two Medical Services Managers (MSM), 12 Venue Medical Officers (VMO) – deployed on rotational shifts at six venues - and round-the-clock hospital on-call services.
There were also 150 staff: paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), emergency and GP doctors, nurses and supervisors from the Qatar Red Crescent. The Hamad Medical Corporation deployed 20 paramedics and supervisors, as well as a 24-hour VIP clinical pathway at Hamad Medical Centre for all delegates participating in the tournament. A total of 22 ambulances have been assigned for stadium duty during match days, team training and during referees’ training.