Qatar Foundation entity affirms commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children
Doha, Qatar, 27 December 2018: Sidra Medicine, Qatar’s specialist women’s and children’s hospital, today announced the launch a Child Advocacy Helpline – 4003 4000 - for the safety and wellbeing of children.
The helpline is for children, families, caregivers and the community to report any form of child abuse or neglect they may have witnessed or that may have been inflicted on them if they are a child. The helpline is operational from 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. during weekdays. For afterhours, callers will be requested to leave their name and contact information and a Sidra Medicine representative will contact them the next working day.
Dr. Khalid Al Ansari, Chair of Emergency Medicine and founder of the program at Sidra Medicine said, “Every child deserves the right to be protected. Our program is led by a dedicated team who work tirelessly with children and families in need of our services. We work very closely with government and social services to ensure that the safety and care of the children is the topmost priority. Our ultimate goal for the helpline is that it prompts children, families and the community to immediately report cases of abuse or neglect and to know that help is at hand.”
The child advocacy program at Sidra Medicine offers treatment, care and counselling services and is dedicated to protecting children from abuse or neglect at home and in the community. It also collaborates with government agencies such as community policing and family support networks within the country.
To help build awareness about the advocacy program and the helpline, Sidra Medicine recently commissioned a short film called ‘Sorry’. The film is a powerful visual representation of a child going through the ordeal of abuse, with a call to action on how to seek immediate help.
“We commissioned this film as part of a concerted campaign to raise awareness about the child advocacy program. I sincerely hope that after watching it, viewers will understand that we are just a phone call away from providing life-saving help. I also hope that our film inspires other entities in the education, health and community services sector to continue developing and strengthening support systems so that every child in Qatar can be protected or is given the right help at the right time,” concluded Dr. Al-Ansari
The Child Advocacy Helpline is not an emergency service. In the case of an emergency whether the person is in immediate danger, wishes to report a crime or requires critical medical attention, please call 999 where either the police or ambulance service will offer assistance.
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About Sidra Medicine
Sidra Medicine provides specialized healthcare to women, children, and young people from Qatar and around the world.
Established by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Sidra Medicine embraces best practice medical education, innovative biomedical and clinical research and discovery, and exceptional patient and family focused care.
Sidra Medicine provides comprehensive specialist healthcare services for children and young people, as well as maternity and gynecology care for women. Some of its unique children’s specialist services include Cardiology, Neurology, Urology and Plastics & Craniofacial Reconstruction. It is also treats and cares for pregnant women with fetal complications.
The ultramodern healthcare organization is a testament to Qatar’s pioneering spirit and sustained commitment to its human and social development.
To access Sidra Medicine services, and learn more about our contribution to global healthcare, education and research, please visit www.sidra.org.