The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) recently marked the graduation of 15 clinical social workers who completed its specialized Clinical Social Worker Certification Programme. The event took place in the presence of senior officials and representatives from partner organisations, underscoring PHCC’s ongoing commitment to developing national expertise and elevating healthcare service standards in Qatar.

The programme, delivered over six months from December 2025 to May 2026, was organised jointly by PHCC’s Social Work Department within the Clinical Operations Directorate, the Workforce Training and Development Directorate at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and Qatar University’s Clinical Affairs and Health Sector. It was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to provide specialised clinical social work services aligned with current professional and scientific standards.

Dr Samya Ahmad al-Abdullah, assistant managing director of Operations and Clinical Affairs and executive director of operations at PHCC, highlighted that the initiative reflects the corporation’s dedication to investing in national talent. She noted that strengthening the capabilities of clinical social workers is essential for advancing healthcare and social services and improving the quality of community care. According to Dr al-Abdullah, the programme supports the broader goal of integrating healthcare with social services to deliver comprehensive, person- and family-centred care, which aligns with Qatar’s priorities for building a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.

Dr Maryam al-Emadi, director of Clinical Operations, described the certification programme as a strategic response to the increasing demand for qualified clinical social workers in the country. Developed in collaboration with Qatar University and involving academics and experts from various partner organisations, the curriculum focused on advanced theories of human behaviour, psychosocial assessment, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to complex mental health and psychosocial issues.

Maryam al-Yaqoub, manager of PHCC Social Work Services, noted that the programme emphasized enhancing clinical competencies, including psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and specialised professional interventions. She explained that it broadened participants' scientific understanding of mental health disorders and evidence-based treatment approaches, ultimately preparing them to deliver integrated, high-quality services to individuals, families, and groups facing complex psychological and social challenges.

The successful graduation of these 15 clinical social workers marks a significant step in PHCC’s efforts to strengthen human capital and improve the provision of mental health and social care services across Qatar’s healthcare sector.