Doha – The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will advance its ability to provide essential educational and research training following the signing of a Research Collaboration Agreement with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).

Over the next three years, both parties will engage in collaborative support and educational activities related to relevant graduate programs delivered by HBKU. In doing so, HBKU and PHCC will undertake research of mutual interest and benefit to the objectives of both organizations. The Research Collaboration Agreement also facilitates the provision of equipment, facilities, personnel, and services necessary to perform research tasks subject to PHCC’s Institutional Review Board approval. It is anticipated that research findings and results will be jointly published by both parties in relevant academic journals and resources.

Speaking after the signing, Dr. Georges Nemer, Interim Dean and Professor, CHLS, said: “We’re delighted to have signed this agreement with PHCC and look forward to building on our already strong ties with this premier Qatari organization. The CHLS will strengthen PHCC’s mission to advance primary healthcare in Qatar by providing expertise, knowledge and research insights spanning biomedical sciences, genomics, precision medicine, biopsychology/neuroscience, and exercise science. We’re also keen to embark on joint research activities that we expect to positively impact health and wellbeing at home and further afield.”

Dr. Hanan Al Mujalli, Executive Director of the Clinical Affairs Directorate, PHCC said: “We are delighted to partner with CHLS at HBKU. PHCC is an organization that recognises the importance of research and the enormous benefits it can bring in enhancing health and wellbeing. PHCC is embarking on an important journey towards genomics and precision medicine. The agreement provides a unique opportunity for researchers from PHCC and HBKU to collaborate on cutting edge areas in precision medicine and other areas of healthcare and medical research. Our partnership will also provide the students’ greater academic opportunities and access to real-world experiences. This will enhance their skills and competencies to take up roles in primary care settings.”

HBKU’s CHLS addresses national and global health challenges by educating coming generations of professionals in the fields of biomedical sciences, genomics, precision medicine, and exercise science. The College’s research programs regularly include disease models that emphasize on translation of research outcomes to address clinical challenges.

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About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

About Primary Healthcare Corporation

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is an innovative, community-centered organization with more than 7,000 employees, including 4542 clinical staff of which 937 are physicians, all of whom are responsible for providing accessible, high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable health care services to residents, citizens, residents or visitors to the state of Qatar. PHCC operates 28 health centers spread all over the State of Qatar and are distributed in three health regions: Northern, Western and Central. All health centers work to provide primary health care services to the population in health facilities close to their areas of residence. It provides a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and curative services, which includes many specialized and family medicine clinics.

PHCC is defined as providing the necessary health care services that rely on evidence-based practice and practical methods of high quality, and in socially acceptable ways, using modern technology in order to be easily accessible to individuals and their family, being the first point of contact with the community.