The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has been recognized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its "Wayyakum" digital platform, receiving an award in the Leading Voluntary Projects in Social Work category for 2026. The accolade was presented during a ceremony held in Bahrain, coinciding with the GCC Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development meeting.
Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa handed over the recognition to QCS, represented by its board chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani. The award honors the organization’s pioneering contributions to community development and humanitarian efforts within the Gulf region.
Sheikh Dr Khalid expressed his pride in the recognition, emphasizing that it underscores Qatar’s dedication to advancing social and humanitarian initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and supporting projects with lasting societal impact. He highlighted the QCS’s continued focus on aiding cancer patients, particularly by alleviating the financial burdens associated with treatment and introducing innovative support services through the "Wayyakum" platform.
The QCS launched its program more than 14 years ago to cover the full treatment costs of non-Qatari cancer patients in Qatar. Over time, this initiative has expanded, leading to the creation of "Wayyakum"—a digital system designed to streamline the application process for treatment assistance and enhance patient support.
In 2025 alone, QCS funded treatment costs for nearly 1,750 adult and pediatric cancer patients, with expenditures totaling approximately QR49 million. The “Wayyakum” platform, introduced around 18 months ago, enables patients and physicians to submit and monitor applications electronically via a mobile app, the platform itself, or the QCS website. This digital approach reduces administrative burdens and improves efficiency for all involved parties.
The platform’s review process involves QCS specialists and physicians managing patient cases to ensure appropriate decisions and coordinated action. Additionally, "Wayyakum" is integrated with key supporting organizations in Qatar and the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, enhancing the coordination of assistance, preventing duplicate funding requests, and ensuring aid effectively reaches eligible beneficiaries.