Expecting Qatari mothers are getting practical tips through a dedicated call centre set up under the National Insurance Scheme as part of its Maternity Management Programme. Interest in the programme, which provides information and advice on maternity-related issues, is strong with more than 90 percent of women opting to participate, the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) said yesterday. The programme is offered as an additional benefit for members of the National Health Insurance Scheme launched this July. Its current phase — Stage 1 — covers Qatari females aged 12 and over for gynaecology, obstetrics, maternity and related health issues. A total of 272 women have benefited from the programme so far. The participants are supported by a team of nurses at the centre who counsel women and respond to their questions and concerns. “I feel very relaxed in my pregnancy thanks to the support provided by nurses of the programme. The information they provide is valuable and, thanks to their advice, my hypoglycemia is under control,” explained Fatima Khalid, who is expecting her second child. “We have seen very strong interest in the programme by expecting mothers and, through engaging with the women, we have been able to encourage positive behavioural changes in areas such as healthy diet, smoking, adherence to diabetes medications and physical activity among others,” said Dr Faleh Mohamed Hussain Ali, acting CEO of NHIC. “The success of the programme can be measured not only in the number of women who have opted into it, but also in the large number of calls we receive from the expecting mothers. During each call we cover such things as alarming signs so that women know when to seek care, signs of labour and other essential information. We also contact the mothers after the baby is born to check with regards to post natal depression and to offer support and advice about bringing the baby home and taking care of the newborn,” he explained. Seven hospitals are part of the NHIS provider network — HMC Women’s Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, The Cuban Hospital, and Al Khor Hospital. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/256515-call-centre-set-up-to-help-expecting-mothers.html

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