Doha, Qatar: Fieldwork for the National Survey on Aging, conducted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the National Planning Council and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), officially began today. The fieldwork will continue until 31 January 2025, with the aim of providing essential information and comprehensive indicators on the health and needs of people aged 60 and over. This will be done through home visits to a sample of 1,808 people in this age group, including citizens and residents.

Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Deputy Head of Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatric Care at HMC and National Aging Survey Project Leader, said: “The National Aging Survey is a pioneering step in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to improve health and wellness. – the being of the elderly. It helps to better understand the needs and aspirations of senior citizens and residents by collecting comprehensive data on their health status, which will help improve the healthcare services provided to them. The survey includes a comprehensive health assessment of participants through biometric measurements such as blood pressure, weight, hearing and lung function tests, as well as tests of physical and cognitive abilities. In addition, a health and lifestyle questionnaire will be completed by the participants.”

Dr. Al Hamad added: “Home visits are carried out by a specialized, certified medical team made up of members from the Ministry of Public Health, the National Planning Council and Hamad Medical Corporation. The team members are well trained and experienced in working with older people, making sure they are given the care they need.”

Alyaa Al Kuwari, Director of the Department of Public Relations and Communications at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized that the survey reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Public Health and its partners to ensure continuous improvement of services for the elderly and the entire community. The survey also supports the priorities of the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, providing the data needed to develop policies, plans and programs that serve older people.

Al Kuwari explained that participants selected for the survey will be contacted in advance through phone calls and text messages to arrange a suitable time for home visits.

Alyaa Al Kuwari encouraged community members to support this national initiative and work alongside the survey team, who have received extensive training from the Ministry of Public Health and its partners in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) on conducting field visits at home, data collection, and application of survey instruments.

The public can contact the relevant authorities through the health sector unified call center at 16000 for any queries regarding the survey and its field team.