Qatar - Health

Free public health services are extended to all residents of Qatar, regardless of nationality. The Ministry of Health has tried with some success to keep pace with an expanding population. As of 1985 there were three hospitals, with a total of 885 beds, and 20 health centers. In 1990 there were 2.9 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants. The nurse to doctor ratio was 1.5 to 1 in 1992. As of 1996 there were 1.3 physicians, 2.9 nurses, 0.2 dentists, and 0.5 pharmacists per 1,000 people. In 1991–93, 100% of the population had access to safe water and 100% of the population had access to health care services.

Life expectancy was estimated at 72.9 years as of 2002. That same year, infant mortality was an estimated 20.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. As of 2002, the crude birth rate and overall mortality rate were estimated at, respectively, 15.8 and 4.3 per 1,000 people. The fertility rate in 1999 was 2.6 children per woman living throughout her childbearing years.

The immunization rates for a child under one were as follows in 1994: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, 91%; polio, 91%; measles, 86%; hepatitis, 90%; and tuberculosis, 94%. In 1993, there were 310 malaria cases. In 1995, no polio or tetanus cases were reported.