Interview: Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO, Sidra Medicine, on how strategy, talent and technology are transforming sector fundamentals
To what extent are changes in the health care sector advancing Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030?
DR IYABO TINUBU-KARCH: Qatar is working towards a more proactive approach to health care in alignment with QNV 2030. The country is investing in precision health, focusing on prevention, personalised care and digitisation, and aims to position itself as a leader in the field within five to 10 years. This approach to health care is patient-centred, preventative and data-driven, leveraging bioinformatics and supercomputing to address health care needs before they become critical. This transformation supports national goals such as increasing health care capacity, developing human capital and adopting innovative strategies to manage public health.
What benefits do you foresee from the increased involvement of the private sector in health care?
TINUBU-KARCH: There is growing interest in private sector involvement to complement the government’s health care goals, particularly in research and development (R&D). Private organisations can often execute R&D more efficiently, and their participation can lead to advancements in service quality and innovation. For example, in Dubai, where the government has partnered with the private sector, the health care system increasingly caters to medical tourism and advanced care. Similarly, in Qatar, we expect a strong partnership with the private sector to enhance research capabilities, drive innovation and improve health care outcomes. It is encouraging that the government is extending funding to private sector-led R&D that aligns with national objectives.
Where do you see a need for technological development to advance health care services in Qatar?
TINUBU-KARCH: Bioinformatics, supercomputing and physician-scientist training are all essential for implementing precision medicine. Diabetes, which affects 16% of Qatar’s population – a high disease burden compared to other countries – is a major health concern. By leveraging genetic data to categorise patients by risk, preventative strategies could be implemented, reducing the country’s health care spending. Moreover, wearables like smartwatches allow for continuous monitoring, enabling tailored care based on individual data. This helps manage chronic conditions, and enables earlier intervention and better disease management.
How do you assess the investment appeal of the country’s private health care sector?
TINUBU-KARCH: Qatar’s private health care sector is ripe for investment, particularly in areas such as genomics, bioinformatics and advanced therapeutics. The country excels in precision medicine, rare disease treatment and paediatric care, and promoting these achievements can serve to encourage global collaboration and investment. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between private entities where each organisation plays to its strengths will help streamline efforts and prevent redundancy. By building a brand around what Qatar does best, the sector will be better positioned to draw both local and international investment.
Which strategies are health care providers employing to attract and retain skilled professionals?
TINUBU-KARCH: Qatar’s strategy to compete for top health care talent involves positioning its institutions as globally competitive in clinical care and research. By forging strategic alliances with world-renowned institutions, Qatari health institutions are enhancing clinical capabilities and providing opportunities for professionals to engage in innovative research and treatments. Additionally, the government and health care institutions are investing heavily in technologies that make Qatar a leader in advanced medical fields. This forward-thinking approach makes the country a global destination for health care professionals looking to work in an environment that is both innovative and well-supported.
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