Qatar’s Sidra Medicine becomes first hospital to hit major digital health milestone

Sidra Medicine just made healthcare history in Qatar. The hospital became the first in the country to reach Stage 6 in a key digital health benchmark that measures how well hospitals use electronic medical records.

But that's not all. The Qatar Foundation member also hit Stage 6 in another crucial rating system for medical imaging. This makes it the only organization in the Middle East and Europe to achieve this level in digital imaging maturity.

How does it work?

Two separate rating systems measure how hospitals use technology. HIMSS EMRAM looks at electronic medical records. It checks how well hospitals use digital systems for things like doctor notes, medication tracking, and clinical decision support.

HIMSS DIAM focuses on medical imaging. It measures how hospitals use diagnostic images like X-rays and MRIs to improve patient care and hospital operations.

Stage 6 in both systems means advanced digital integration. Hospitals at this level use electronic physician documentation, closed-loop medication systems, and sophisticated imaging data analysis. Reviewers spent two days in December evaluating Sidra Medicine's workflows, from patient admission to discharge.

Why does it matter?

Digital health systems save lives and money. Electronic records reduce medical errors. Automated medication systems prevent dangerous drug interactions. Advanced imaging helps doctors make better diagnoses faster.

"This validation reflects the dedication and collaboration of our clinical, technical, and operational teams," said Maha Al Henzab, Executive Director of Information Management & Technology at Sidra Medicine. "Reaching EMRAM and DIAM Stage 6 strengthens our ability to deliver safe, efficient, and digitally enabled care."

The achievement also positions Qatar as a regional leader in healthcare technology. Other hospitals in the Middle East will likely look to Sidra Medicine as a model for their own digital transformation efforts.

The context

Healthcare digitization has accelerated globally since the pandemic. Hospitals worldwide are racing to implement electronic systems that improve patient safety and operational efficiency.

Sidra Medicine's achievement comes as Qatar invests heavily in healthcare infrastructure. The country is positioning itself as a regional medical hub, attracting patients from across the Middle East.

The hospital isn't stopping here. It plans to advance toward Stage 7, the highest level in both rating systems. The assessment also highlighted Sidra Medicine's use of AI-enabled imaging and 3D printing, showing how cutting-edge technology is becoming standard in modern healthcare.