PHCC health centres: everyday care, appointments and the Nar'aakom app

Who this is for

Residents and citizens who want to use a public health centre for everyday care. For the wider picture (hospitals, emergencies, private care, insurance) see our guide 'How healthcare works in Qatar'. This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999.

Before you start

• A health card, or your Qatari ID if you are a citizen. See our guide 'Getting and renewing a health card'.
• A valid Qatar ID (QID). PHCC says the Nar'aakom app is used with an account in Tawtheeq, Qatar's National Authentication System.
• The Nar'aakom app on your phone, if you want to manage appointments yourself. It is listed on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Steps

1. Know what a health centre offers

   PHCC describes its main programmes as Family Medicine, Preventive Health and Urgent Care. Through the family doctor, PHCC lists services such as a general family medicine clinic, postnatal and family planning, travel vaccination, mental health, non-communicable disease management, school health and annual health checks. Other services reached through the family doctor include child and adolescent health, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, nutrition, pharmacy, pre-marital clinic, laboratory, radiology, ultrasound, physical therapy and cancer screening. Not every service is at every centre.

2. Understand your family doctor

   PHCC says each person has a family practitioner, who provides routine check-ups, immunisation and screening, manages chronic conditions and coordinates care with specialists. PHCC runs a Referral Management Office that monitors and directs patient referrals, with coordinators handling internal and external e-referrals.

3. Book by phone or app

   PHCC's Booking and Appointment Division manages appointment booking at all health centres and through the 107 helpline, which also handles appointment reminders and complaints or suggestions. In the Nar'aakom app, PHCC lists services to book, reschedule or cancel appointments, and video consultations for certain services and health centres, so you do not have to visit the centre or call.

4. Change your centre or doctor, add a dependant

   According to PHCC's e-service page, the app lets you change your family physician, change your assigned health centre, and add a dependent account for a child under 18 with a valid QID. It also lists registering for a new health card, with the fee paid at the health centre.

5. Find a centre

   PHCC's website has sections for All Health Centres, Wellness Facilities and Urgent Care, and a Map page. The pages we read do not state opening hours, so check the website, the app or the 107 line before you go.

Useful numbers and apps

• PHCC call centre (inside Qatar) 107 Source
• PHCC from abroad +974 4406 6466 Source
• PHCC general enquiries info@phcc.gov.qa Source
• Nar'aakom app (PHCC) Nar'aakom Source

Good to know

• PHCC says case management by a multidisciplinary team is for patients with two or more chronic conditions, initially at Al Wajba, Umm Slal, West Bay and Al Wakra health centres; eligible patients are contacted by their centre.
• For urgent phone or video consultations the 16000 line is described in our guide 'How healthcare works in Qatar'.
• Medicines for registered patients can be delivered; see PHCC's medication home delivery page.