Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen Qatar’s healthcare research, development, and innovation (RDI) policies and initiatives.

Signed by QRDI Council secretary general Omar Al-Ansari and HMC acting assistant managing director Ali Al-Janahi, the agreement is set to position Itqan as a venue for the new healthcare technologies testing.

It will also promote collaborative efforts between local and international innovators in the healthcare sector.

Al-Janahi said: “By joining forces with QRDI Council, HMC is fostering an environment that accelerates the adoption of advanced healthcare technologies, ultimately enhancing patient care and clinical education.”

The MOU also focuses on capacity-building initiatives to offer support for healthcare researchers and professionals.

Itqan and the QRDI Council will work together on workshops, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing efforts.

This aims to improve innovation management, research methodologies, and the practical application of technologies, thereby investing in the healthcare talent improvement.

Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center executive director Dr Abdulla Ahmad Yousuf said: “Our collaboration with the QRDI Council represents a strategic step toward developing innovative, research-driven solutions that elevate medical training, enhance patient safety, and drive impactful advancements in healthcare.”

Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU encompass launching research and innovation initiatives, developing RDI policies, and creating sectoral committees for performance improvement in Qatar’s healthcare industry.

This partnership is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of the sector.

Omar Al-Ansari said: “QRDI Council is dedicated to positioning Qatar as a leading hub for research, development, and innovation.

“This collaboration will enhance the RDI and healthcare systems, nurturing innovations that will tackle pressing healthcare challenges and pave the way for groundbreaking advancements.”

In October 2024, HMC unveiled a modernisation programme for Hamad General Hospital.