Established in 1978, Qatar Red
Crescent Society (QRCS) is Qatar’s first humanitarian and volunteering
organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and
communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC),
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 192 National Societies.
It is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as
the Islamic Committee of International Crescent (ICIC) and the Arab Red
Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized
capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an
auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian and social efforts — a role
that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
Both locally and internationally,
QRCS has relief and development operations in numerous countries throughout the
Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Its
humanitarian mandates include disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and
risk reduction. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods
of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, food, water, shelter,
and other needs of local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian
diplomacy and advocacy front.
With the help of a vast network of
trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of
vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, inspired by the seven
Fundamental Principles of humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality,
neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Medical Experience
QRCS’s Medical Affairs Division
plays a key role in strengthening the country’s health system. Late in 2010, it
signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Public Health
(MOPH) to operate a Workers’ Health Center in the Industrial Area. It was the
first health center dedicated to single male expatriate workers — one of the
largest and most active social groups.
Year by year, as Qatar’s development
process was in full swing and the number of expatriate workers was growing,
more Workers’ Health Centers were opened to meet the increasing demand for
primary health care services. Currently, there are four Workers’ Health
Centers, strategically located in the main residential areas of workers. Some
clinics now operate 24/7, and some other health services were added to reduce
referrals to secondary health care facilities.
In April 2023, QRCS’s Medical
Affairs Division successfully obtained the platinum-level accreditation by
Accreditation Canada, in recognition of quality health services and patient
safety standards. During the past five years, the average number of visits to
Workers’ Health Centers was no less than 1.2 million annually.
QRCS has always been supporting
other health institutions in Qatar, mainly Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and
Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). It was part of the COVID-19 control
efforts, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 medical coverage, and other major national
events/occasions.
In 2016, QRCS launched its Training
and Development Center, with the aim of organizing numerous training courses
for medical professionals and the public, including first aid, cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), and continuing professional development (CPD).
QRCS’s Emergency Medical Services
(CMS) boasts the country’s second-largest ambulance fleet, just behind HMC. Its
well-trained personnel provide medical coverage during various sport, cultural,
and social events across the country.
