BMI View: Healthcare infrastructure expansion will continue to support rising demand for medical treatment in Qatar over the next -- years. However, as the recent era of lower oil prices continues to weigh on government revenues, a slowdown in public investment in healthcare capital projects will moderate the pace of sector development. ...BMI View: Healthcare infrastructure expansion will continue to support rising demand for medical treatment in Qatar over the next -- years. However, as the recent era of lower oil prices continues to weigh on government revenues, a slowdown in public investment in healthcare capital projects will moderate the pace of sector development. Although we do not expect significant cuts on social spending, the Qatari government will continue to rationalise spending over the coming years, which will translate in the implementation of mandatory health insurance in ----, as well as pharmaceutical pricing pressure reflecting GCC price harmonisation efforts. ...However, as the recent era of lower oil prices continues to weigh on government revenues, a slowdown in public investment in healthcare capital projects will moderate the pace of sector development. Although we do not expect significant cuts on social spending, the Qatari government will continue to rationalise spending over the coming years, which will translate in the implementation of mandatory health insurance in ----, as well as pharmaceutical pricing pressure reflecting GCC price harmonisation efforts.
...In August ----, a mobile breast screening unit was launched in Doha as part of a national campaign to promote screening for breast and bowel cancer, with media reports highlighting that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Qatar - accounting for -- of cancer cases in women (Doha News). Also in August, the Ministry of Public Health recommended that Hajj pilgrims should complete vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis, seasonal flu and pneumococcal disease at least -- days before their departure to Saudi Arabia, as several respiratory illnesses pose the risk of spreading after their return to Qatar. ...
...Qatar will remain in one of the strongest fiscal positions in the world over the next decade. The budget will turn back to surplus in ----, despite oil prices remaining low, and Qatar will continue to hold massive financial buffers through its sovereign wealth fund. ...Qatar will remain in one of the strongest fiscal positions in the world over the next decade. The budget will turn back to surplus in ----, despite oil prices remaining low, and Qatar will continue to hold massive financial buffers through its sovereign wealth fund. However, against a backdrop of lower revenues the Qatari government will continue to rationalise spending. ...However, against a backdrop of lower revenues the Qatari government will continue to rationalise spending. Expatriates are expected to bear the brunt of fiscal consolidation reforms, given that the Qatari government will attempt to shield its citizens as much as possible from austerity measures to secure political stability and support for the monarchy.
...
