This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/15/2019

Overview

Health care continues to be a priority concern for the Qatari leadership.  The Qatari government is constantly upgrading the quality health services using technology, international expertise and knowledge. In Qatar, healthcare services are either free or highly subsidized.  According to industry estimates, the market for medical equipment will grow over the next five years.  The market relies on imports from Europe, Asia and the United States. In fact, the United States is one of the leading exporters of medical equipment, medical supplies, medicines and pharmaceuticals to Qatar.  Qatar’s strong interest in importing medical equipment, healthcare technology and supplies from the U.S. is driven by two factors: (1) the rise of new construction projects for hospitals and health care centers; and (2) Qatar’s lack of local production capacity in this area.

Sub-Sector Best Prospects
  • Medical Equipment
  • Medical Supplies
  • Equipment and supplies for persons with special needs
  • Specialized medical services
  • Healthcare technology
  • Books and publications
  • Training

Opportunities   
  • Under the Qatar Healthcare Facilities Master Plan, Qatar will be establishing 31 health centers between the years of 2016-2020 leading up to the 2022 World Cup. The full plan aims to deliver 48 new facilities that range from health centers, diagnostic and treatment centers, hospital expansions and the building of both a general hospital and a specialized hospital.
  • Hamad Medical Cooperation has unveiled a new 15-year master plan that includes doubling the number of hospital beds and operating theaters in the country and tripling car parking provisions by 2030.
  • In December 2015, the Government of Qatar ended its existing health insurance program and since then, has relied on private sector insurance companies to fill the gap as it develops a tender allowing local firms to bid to become the firm to provide new national insurance coverage.  Foreign firms will be encouraged to partner with local insurance companies to provide coverage.
  • The healthcare sector is witnessing reform initiatives. One of the reforms includes broadening public-private partnerships and giving the private sector a larger role in the provision of healthcare services.

Web Resources

Hamad Medical Corporation
Sidra Foundation
Contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.