Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is proud to announce that its Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (EDP) Index has been recognized as a Leading Practice by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) for the first time. HSO, a globally respected entity headquartered in Canada, collaborates with leading experts and individuals with lived experiences to develop standards, assessment programs, and quality improvement solutions. This prestigious recognition underscores PHCC's EDP Index in Qatar as a critical and replicable tool for primary care organizations worldwide, enhancing their readiness for emergencies and disasters.

The EDP Index supports the Sustainability and Resilience objective, strengthening PHCC's disaster resilience to ensure sustained operations during a crisis and serving as a force multiplier for the Ministry of Public Health during public health emergencies. Through its meticulous application, PHCC has significantly enhanced its understanding of preparedness and achieved notable improvements, moving closer to its target readiness score.

The EDP Index is a comprehensive organizational assessment tool involving 585 criteria derived from internationally recognized emergency preparedness regulations and best practices, including those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Health and Human Services (HHS), World Health Organization (WHO), Accreditation Canada International (ACI), The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection (NFPA), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). HSO's recognition of the EDP Index as a Leading Practice highlights its effectiveness and potential for global application.

This multifaceted approach not only enhances organizational readiness but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience. By identifying gaps and implementing targeted strategies, primary care organizations can achieve higher levels of preparedness, ensuring better outcomes for their communities during emergencies.

HSO's recognition underscores PHCC's commitment to advancing the quality of the healthcare sector within Qatar. By leveraging the EDP Index as a Leading Practice, PHCC is enhancing its preparedness and response capabilities and setting a benchmark for innovation and excellence in healthcare. This acknowledgment inspires us to continue fostering a resilient, efficient, and high-quality healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being and safety of our community.