Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Medical Affairs Division of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has been awarded the Diamond Level Accreditation by Accreditation Canada after successfully completing the accreditation survey at the four Workers' Health Centers it manages in strategic partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
The latest recognition upgrades QRCS from the Platinum Level Accreditation, which it received in 2023, to the highest accreditation level offered by Accreditation Canada.
The achievement follows a three-year process focused on strengthening institutional quality and patient safety. During this period, the Medical Affairs Division implemented international quality standards, ensured compliance with evidence-based healthcare policies, standardized operational procedures, and encouraged both patients and healthcare staff to participate in improving healthcare services.
QRCS Highlights Commitment to International Standards
Acting Secretary-General of QRCS, Abdullah Sultan Al Qatan, said the Diamond Accreditation reflects the organization's continued commitment to excellence, quality healthcare, and operational efficiency.
He stated that the recognition confirms the Medical Affairs Division's ability to provide healthcare services that meet the highest international standards.
Al Qatan also said the accreditation strengthens confidence in QRCS among government institutions. He noted that QRCS has worked with the Ministry of Public Health for nearly 16 years to manage and operate the Workers' Health Centers, consistently delivering high-quality primary healthcare services for expatriate workers.
Assessment Covered Nine Key Healthcare Standards
Dr. Mohamed Fawzi Al Abiad, Assistant Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Medical Affairs Division, explained that achieving the Diamond Level required meeting all Gold and Platinum accreditation requirements while reaching advanced standards in quality, patient safety, and institutional excellence.
According to Dr. Al Abiad, the Accreditation Canada assessment evaluated nine major areas, including:
- Governance and leadership
- Infection prevention and control
- Medication management
- Service excellence
- Primary healthcare services
- Medical laboratories
- Diagnostic imaging
- Dental services
He also confirmed that the Division completed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) survey on patient safety culture, which formed part of the evaluation reviewed by the accreditation team.
Leadership and Teamwork Recognized
Head of Quality Monitoring at the Medical Affairs Division, Joanna Marie Alfaro, said the achievement was made possible through strong leadership, teamwork, and high levels of technical and clinical expertise.
She added that the Division will continue working to maintain the Diamond Level while further improving patient experience across its healthcare facilities.
Accreditation Team Praises Consistent Performance
The Accreditation Canada survey team praised the consistent operating system used across all four Workers' Health Centers.
The team also recognized the low turnover rate among medical staff, saying it supports continuity of patient care. In addition, the survey highlighted the role of patient advisory committees, which help develop care plans and multilingual health education materials.
Four Health Centers Continue Serving Thousands of Workers
QRCS currently manages four Workers' Health Centers in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health. The centers are located in:
- Al Hemaila
- Mesaimeer
- Fereej Abdul Aziz
- Zekreet
Together, they provide services in more than 20 medical specialties, including round-the-clock healthcare services.
The centers recorded 1,460,696 visitors during 2025, while 823,362 patients visited during the first half of 2026.
Patient Care and Professional Training Continue to Improve
According to QRCS, the average patient experience rating across the centers stands at 90%.
The organization also reported that:
- 99% of patients receive comprehensive health screenings and follow-up care plans.
- 100% of dental patients receive comprehensive treatment plans.
As part of its commitment to professional development, the Medical Affairs Division delivered around 208 training courses during 2025 after receiving approval from the Ministry of Public Health as an accredited provider of continuing professional development programs.
About Accreditation Canada
Accreditation Canada is an independent non-profit organization with more than 60 years of experience evaluating healthcare organizations using evidence-based standards. Its international accreditation program is widely recognized as one of the world's leading healthcare quality assessment systems.
English
