The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar announced that as per the latest law, a mandatory health insurance system will be implemented for all expatriates and visitors in the country, so as to provide them with basic healthcare services through healthcare providers in government health facilities and private sector, in accordance with the insurance coverage policy.
The Law No.22 of 2021 regulates healthcare services within the country, and works on development and regulation of health sector in the State.
As per the provisions of the law, the employer is obliged to provide health insurance for its expatriate workers through insurance companies registered with the Ministry of Public Health, so that they receive basic insurance coverage. The same obligation is also applicable to the recruiter and they have to provide basic coverage to those who bring them.
This law will get effective in six months’ time once it is issued, and during this period, services will continue to be provided to all residents. The Ministry will issue all details associated with the application of the law and health insurance system in the coming days.
The law No.22 of 2021 on regulating healthcare services in the country was issued by Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on 19th October. The law will get effective six months after its publication in the official gazette.
The health insurance system will lead to development of health sector and the services provided to the public, by removing the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, which results in steady population growth, through participation of the public and private sectors in providing healthcare services to the population.
It will in-turn reduce waiting time in the government health facilities in the county, thereby being able to get appointment easily for medical consultations so that the health requirements of people are met at the highest quality.
The scheduled duration to implement this law is six months after issuance, and during this period, services would continue to be offered to all residents. Ministry will issue and publish all controls pertaining to the application of the law and health insurance system during this period.