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, Research, 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.
