Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-operate in supporting and assisting diabetes patients in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association Dr Abdullah Omar al-Hamaq and Executive Director of QRCS Yousef Abdullah al-Sada.

Dr al-Hamaq noted the importance of this MoU to open new horizons for strategic cooperation between the two sides, discuss joint co-operation in the area of helping diabetics. He praised the role of the QRCS in supporting various humanitarian, relief and volunteer activities. He pointed out that the signing of this Memorandum coincides with the celebration of International Diabetes Day on November 14 of each year, where the annual focus is on topics related to diabetes, This year's campaign highlights the theme of "diabetes and the family", he said.

Al-Sada praised the co-ordination between the two sides in order to strengthen the services provided to diabetics, based on the general orientation of the state to raise the level of public health for citizens and residents.

The MoU reflects the interest of the QRCS in co-operation and partnership with various State institutions, especially as it places medical and health services at the top of its priorities in the development of the community through a variety of programmes and activities that have a positive impact on those in need of community support, Including health empowerment through its patient benefit fund, the management and operation of health workers' centers and the medical units of the Ministry of Public Health, as well as the management of a fleet of ambulances with a capacity of 50 cars equipped to secure various public events and tournaments.

"QRCS also provides medical insurance for factories and companies, rescue at Sealine Beach, first aid centers in Malls, community health awareness campaigns, and participation in medical conferences," he added.

This MoU is valid for two years to provide the necessary services according to the needs of patients, in order to achieve a healthy, comfortable and safe environment by covering the costs of treatment of those unable, based on social case studies to determine their eligibility for assistance according to approved criteria, in addition to providing health care and education services and the exchange of workshops and training courses to increase the professionalism of the staff of the parties in order to achieve the objectives of this MoU.