Nearly 60,000 medication orders delivered to patients across Qatar in 2024

Getting your medication delivered straight to your doorstep is a reality in Qatar, with more and more people jumping on board. Since its launch in 2020, the medication home delivery service has grown in popularity, proving to be a game-changer for patients who'd rather skip the trip to the pharmacy.

In 2024 alone, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) dispatched nearly 60,000 medication orders to patients across the country.

How does it work?

The service, run by Qatar Post in collaboration with HMC and PHCC, delivers more than just medicine. Patients can receive medical reports, dietary products, and medical consumables right at their doorstep. It's simple to use — patients call a designated number, provide their details, and their medications arrive within two days. A modest QR30 delivery fee applies, making it a convenient but not entirely free option.

For HMC, patients should dial 16000 between 8 AM and 2 PM, Sunday through Thursday. PHCC patients, on the other hand, can either call their health center directly or use WhatsApp to make a request.

Why does it matter?

In a world where convenience is king, this service is a lifeline for many — especially for the elderly, those with mobility issues, and busy professionals. The pandemic may have sparked its creation, but its benefits have kept it alive. According to a 2024 study published in BMJ Medical Journal, nearly 46% of users were highly satisfied with the service, and almost 59% would recommend it to others.

However, not everything is perfect. Only about 31% of respondents found the QR30 delivery fee reasonable, showing that while the service is appreciated, cost remains a concern. Interestingly, Qatari nationals reported higher satisfaction rates (89%) compared to expatriates (79.5%), hinting at potential differences in expectations or service experience.

The context

When COVID-19 shut the world down, Qatar responded swiftly. In April 2020, this home delivery system was introduced as a temporary measure to limit exposure in hospitals and pharmacies. But as demand grew and positive reviews poured in, it became clear this service was here to stay.

Now, four years later, it's part of everyday healthcare. With tens of thousands of deliveries processed annually, it's not just a pandemic-era experiment — it's an essential part of Qatar's healthcare system.