Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) entered into a formal agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance medical development within the country. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a collaborative framework between the Qatari healthcare provider and the global biopharmaceutical leader to foster clinical research, healthcare innovation, and workforce development. By aligning their efforts, the organizations aim to improve patient outcomes and ensure that Qatar remains a regional leader in scientific discovery. The partnership specifically targets the expansion of HMC’s Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) and the enhancement of local research expertise, which will facilitate a stronger Qatar clinical research environment for future global studies.
The strategic alliance will provide local scientists with increased visibility into emerging medical technologies and novel therapies. This access allows researchers to identify future areas for innovation and align their activities with the evolving needs of the domestic healthcare system. A significant portion of the agreement focuses on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) capacity building. This initiative will assist professionals in evaluating the societal, economic, and clinical impacts of various medical interventions, ranging from digital health tools to new pharmaceuticals. Strengthening these assessments is vital for evidence-based decision-making and the efficient management of medical resources. This focus is a cornerstone of the broader Qatar clinical research objectives intended to attract international trials to the region.
Assistant Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation Ali Al Janahi highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating: “This collaboration represents an important step in strengthening Qatar’s clinical research ecosystem and supporting our ambition to deliver world-class healthcare through innovation, evidence-based practice, value-based healthcare, and international collaboration.” He further commented, “By expanding opportunities for clinical trials, enhancing research capabilities, and strengthening expertise, we are creating new opportunities to advance patient care and improve health outcomes for the people of Qatar, as well as having a sustainable health system. We are pleased to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim in support of these shared goals and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on healthcare in Qatar,” Al Janahi added.
Dr. Anas Ahmad Hamad, Deputy Chief of Drug Supply in HMC and Lead of National HTA and Innovation Regulation Program in the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, said: “This collaboration marks an important step in advancing Qatar’s HTA ecosystem by strengthening local capacity, enhancing technical expertise, and supporting the development of sustainable HTA infrastructure within Hamad Medical Corporation and the wider healthcare system.” He also noted, “Through strategic partnerships with industry, like this one, we are building the capabilities needed to ensure evidence-based decision-making, accelerate responsible access to innovation, and ultimately improve health outcomes in alignment with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030,” he added.
Derek O’Leary, Regional Managing Director, India, Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “Our collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation reflects a shared commitment to co-create advanced research capabilities, unlock scientific potential, and support the continued advancement of healthcare in Qatar.” Adding to this sentiment, Abdallah Hamed, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Saudi Arabia, Gulf and East Africa (SAGEA), Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “Our collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening research capabilities while embedding innovation more effectively into clinical practice. This kind of partnership is critical to ensuring that scientific advances move beyond discovery and deliver real value at the point of care.” Boehringer Ingelheim is a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of innovative therapies that improve the health of both people and animals. The company currently serves more than 130 markets through three core business areas: human pharmaceuticals, animal health, and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing.
