Ministry of Public Health Announces Transition to Qatari National ID (QID) for Healthcare Services and Discontinues Health Card Printing
Quick Summary: Key Facts
- New Policy: Residents can now use their valid QID to access services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).
- Official Circular: Circular No. (10) of 2026 mandates the discontinuation of printing physical health cards.
- Fees: Standard health card issuance and annual renewal fees remain unchanged and must still be paid by residents.
- Objective: To simplify administrative procedures, standardize government documentation, and enhance the overall patient experience in the State of Qatar.
Snippet
The Ministry of Public Health has authorized using Qatari National IDs (QID) instead of physical health cards for all healthcare services in the State of Qatar.
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DOHA, QATAR — In a major step toward digital transformation and administrative efficiency, His Excellency Mr. Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, the Minister of Public Health, has issued a landmark circular authorizing the use of the Qatari National Identity (QID) card as the primary document for accessing healthcare services across the country.
Effective immediately, residents of the State of Qatar will no longer be required to present a physical health card when visiting public healthcare facilities. Instead, a valid QID will serve as the gateway to services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and various other government-affiliated health centers.
Streamlining the Patient Experience
Circular No. (10) of 2026 specifically stipulates the discontinuation of printing physical health cards for residents. This decision is central to the Ministry’s broader initiative to simplify administrative workflows and standardize the official documents used by government entities. By integrating health records with the national ID system, the Ministry ensures that health numbers are verified instantly through digital infrastructure, guaranteeing that necessary medical services are provided without the need for redundant physical documentation.
This transition is expected to significantly enhance the patient experience by reducing the number of cards residents must carry and streamlining the registration process at hospitals and primary health centers.
Fee Structure and Renewals
While the physical printing of cards is being phased out, the Ministry of Public Health clarified that the financial framework governing health services remains in place. The previously approved fees for health card issuance and annual renewals will continue to be collected from residents.
Maintaining this fee structure ensures the continued high standard of medical care provided by the State, while the move to QID-based verification focuses purely on increasing the speed and reliability of administrative access.
Alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030
The Ministry’s decision aligns with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the realm of modernizing the public sector and fostering a sustainable, digitally-integrated society. By removing the need for physical card production, the State of Qatar also moves closer to its environmental sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste and logistical overhead.
For residents, this update represents a seamless shift toward a more connected future. The Ministry of Public Health continues to encourage all residents to ensure their QIDs are valid and to utilize the official digital platforms for fee payments and renewals to ensure uninterrupted access to Qatar’s world-class healthcare system.