The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has reiterated that investing in highly skilled national professionals remains central to advancing healthcare and social services, while improving the quality of care provided to communities.

Speaking during a ceremony honoring recipients of the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification, Dr. Samia Ahmed Al Abdullah, Assistant Director General for Operations and Clinical Affairs at PHCC, highlighted the importance of equipping clinical social workers with qualifications grounded in modern, evidence-based standards. She noted that strengthening professional preparation supports the integration of healthcare and social services, enabling PHCC to deliver comprehensive, patient- and family-focused care aligned with individual and community needs.

Dr. Al Abdullah emphasized that this approach contributes to a more coordinated healthcare system and aligns with national priorities aimed at building a sustainable, efficient, and results-oriented health sector.

The ceremony also marked the graduation of 15 female social workers who successfully completed the LCSW program, fulfilling all academic, practical, and training requirements. The initiative seeks to develop a qualified national workforce capable of delivering specialized clinical social services in line with advanced scientific and professional standards.

Dr. Maryam Al Emadi, Director of Clinical Operations at PHCC, described the program as a strategic response to the growing demand for skilled clinical social workers. She explained that the initiative was developed in partnership with Qatar University (QU), with contributions from subject-matter experts and academic professionals across multiple institutions.

According to Dr. Al Emadi, the program is designed to equip participants with advanced knowledge and tools to better understand human behavior and social environments. It also prepares them to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and apply evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address complex mental health and social challenges, while maintaining ethical standards and cultural awareness.

Maryam Al Yaqub, Social Work Services Manager at PHCC, noted that the program focuses on strengthening participants’ clinical competencies, particularly in psychosocial evaluation, therapeutic planning, and delivering specialized interventions. She added that the curriculum enhances scientific understanding of mental health conditions and promotes the use of modern treatment approaches, enabling professionals to effectively support individuals, families, and groups facing complex psychosocial issues.

The six-month program brought together several leading national institutions, including Qatar University, the Department of Healthcare Professions at the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Naufar Wellness and Recovery Centre, Ihsan Centre, and the Ministry of Social Development and Family, alongside PHCC’s Clinical Operations and Workforce Training and Development departments.