Doha, Feb 20 (RHC)-- A hospital in Qatar, run by Cuban health personnel, under existing cooperation programs, has seen a sharp rise in the patient visits over the past five years. 

The hospital recorded over 74,300 outpatient visits and over 4,500 inpatients in 2017, compared to 256 inpatients and over 17,300 outpatients in 2012.

The number of surgeries performed at the hospital increased from 259 in 2012 to over 3,000 in 2017. It also recorded over 600 births in 2017 -- a major jump from nine births in 2012, according to senior officials at the Cuban Hospital. 

In statements to the press, Dr. Angel Mario Felpe Garmendia, Medical Director of the Cuban Hospital said the health center provides all medical and surgical services in more than 25 specialties.  He added: “We aim at providing improved services and reducing the waiting list for patients.”

Mainly, the hospital receives patients from the western part of the country as well as some from Doha. 

Located in Dukhan, The Cuban Hospital was officially opened in January 2012, as a joint project between the governments of Qatar and Cuba. It operates in collaboration with the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and has 450 Cuban staff including doctors, nurses and technical staff. The hospital has 75 beds and seven operating theaters.