Qatar Replaces Health Cards With National ID for Citizens to Access Medical Services

DOHA, September 13 – Qatari citizens will no longer need separate health cards to access medical services, as the Ministry of Public Health announced a major policy shift that replaces the health card system with the use of national ID cards. The new decision, outlined in Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud’s Decision No. 46 of 2025, officially cancels a 2023 regulation that previously required fees for obtaining and replacing health cards.

Effective Friday, citizens can use their national ID cards free of charge at all government healthcare facilities, including Hamad Medical Corporation, the Primary Health Care Corporation, and other affiliated centers. The Ministry emphasized that the change is designed to simplify procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the overall patient experience within Qatar’s public health system.

“This step reflects our commitment to enhancing efficiency and patient convenience in the healthcare system,” the Ministry said in a statement. The shift to national ID cards is also part of a broader government initiative to streamline services and standardize documentation across sectors.

While the new policy applies to Qatari citizens, the Ministry confirmed that health cards for residents will remain valid under the current system and procedures. Authorities are urging citizens to carry their national ID cards when visiting healthcare facilities to ensure smooth and uninterrupted access to services.

The initiative marks a significant step in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to modernize public services and embrace digital transformation, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for its citizens.