In an effort to reduce crowding at the Medical Commission, Qatar’s Supreme Council of Health has opened a new branch in the Industrial area to handle the mandatory health checks of new employees who live or work there.

The new unit, the first expansion of the Medical Commission in Abu Hamour, is specifically for male expat labor workers. Officials said they hope the branch will help alleviate congestion at the main clinic, which apparently sees some 3,000 visitor a day.

The Industrial area clinic has a capacity of checking some 400 to 500 people daily, and will be run by the Qatar Red Crescent Society, rather than the Supreme Council of Health itself, the SCH said in a statement.

Tests required

All new expat employees in Qatar, regardless of profession or pay, are required to undergo x-rays and blood tests – which screen for HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C – in order to be eligible for a residence permit here.

Previously, those health screenings could only be carried out at the main Medical Commission, but the SCH began permitting Al Ahli Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital and Doha Clinic to carry out the tests for expats in certain professions in 2011.

Another branch of the Medical Commission is also in the works in the Mesaimeer area. Thoughts?