Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals GmbH, the international leading biopharmaceutical company, to launch 'Salamtak', an initiative to help the low-income residents with autoimmune diseases. Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals GmbH, the international leading biopharmaceutical company, to launch 'Salamtak', an initiative to help the low-income residents with autoimmune diseases. Once diagnosed by Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) physicians, the patients can apply for medical coverage under QRCS's Patient Support Fund. Eligible beneficiaries would qualify for free-of-charge treatment with Humira, an effective drug manufactured by AbbVie. In a press conference, the MoU was signed by Nora Rashid Al-Dosari, Director of Volunteering and Local Development Division, QRCS, and Sami Abi Nakhoul, General Manager of AbbVie GCC. The event was attended by Dr. Samar Al-Emadi, Head of Rheumatology Section, Hamad General Hospital, and Mohamed Kamaledin, representative of Ahmed Khalil Albaker & Sons, the local agent for AbbVie. "The aim of this initiative is to help those inflicted with autoimmune diseases, which have a serious impact on one's health, work, family, and life in general. To give them hope, we join hands and promise to do our best to make this initiative a success," said Ms. Al-Dosari. Hailing the partnership with HMC to improve public health in Qatar, she added "Last year, we worked with AbbVie on Hepatitis C, with an outstanding success rate of 100%". Mr. Abi Nakhoul said his company is keen on having stronger relations with QRCS and HMC. "Our joint efforts are crucial to the campaign. With our extensive experience and innovative solutions, we share the same goal of advancing health care standards in the country, which will reflect positively on the lives of the patients," he remarked. The General Managed explained that autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, among others. "I have a message to address to the dear physicians," he said, "As health care providers, you are the cornerstone of 'Salamtak'. You are the ones who will deal face to face with the most unfortunate patients. Through this initiative, I am sure we can make a significant difference in the lives of the patients and their families". Asked about how many patients would benefit from this initiative, Dr. Al-Emadi said, "Most patients who visit the Section are non-Qataris. Some of them have medical insurance; others, like laborers, cannot afford the cost of treatment. There are no accurate estimates. Generally speaking, we have 600-700 rheumatoid arthritis cases, 50 psoriatic arthritis cases, and 100 ankylosing spondylitis cases. Even though the therapy is too expensive, patients incur only 20% of the cost, which is less than one tenth of the international prices".