Guidelines for Physicians

Page 1 of 40
1. A) Registration/Evaluation Process Map for “General Practitioner”

❖ The applicant should follow up on the request with the employer representative.
❖ Preliminary evaluation is only valid for 6 months.

Page 2 of 40
B) Registration/Evaluation Process Map for “Specialty Scope”

❖ The applicant should follow up on the request with the employer representative.
❖ Preliminary evaluation is only valid for 6 months.

Page 3 of 40
Registration/Evaluation Requirements
Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply for Evaluation” request and upload the below mentioned required
documents:
1. Copy of valid passport.
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back) or copy of the national ID.*
N.B.: “QID with family sponsorship is mandatory for GP (supervised) and Assistant
Specialty”
3. One recent photo (according to photo criteria stated in circular (04-2014) or in the
“Additional Attachments” document).
4. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (C.V).
5. Copy of all academic certificates relevant to applicant’s scope with official transcript (refer
to Table no. 1).
6. Copy of the recent work experience certificates (with an issue date) required according to
applicant’s scope (refer to Table no. 1).
7. Copy of valid medical/registration licenses accompanying the required years of work
experience (if applicable).
8. Copy of primary source verification report.
9. The verification report will be reviewed during this phase; any misleading information
provided will result in further investigations and could result in disciplinary action.
10. Copy of the passing certificate of the qualifying exam (if applicable).
11. For GP (supervised) and Assistant Specialty: Supervision letter and undertaking letter are
required according to circular no. (21/2020) and (22/2020).

*The national ID depends on each country such as the national ID in Sudan, the national insurance
number in UK, the multi-purpose number in the Philippines…etc.

Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• The evaluation does not obligate the Department of Healthcare Professions to grant the
applicant any specific degree or title.
• Please note that the verification process done by the verification companies replaces
attestation of certificates by related competent authorities (i.e.: certificates do not have
to be attested).
• The certificate of good standing will be required in the licensing phase unless the case
requires otherwise.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on the verification report and the certificate
of good standing.
• Applicants/employer representatives can follow up on the certificate of good standing

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 with DHPGoodSt@[Link]
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above
must be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to
check for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.
• You can follow-up on the request with your employer representative.

Table No. “1” Scope of practice for the physician profession

Education requirements Clinical Experience

Scope of practice requirements

1-General Practitioner 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or No experience required.

(supervised) equivalent) from a university that is
Please refer to circular listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory.
(22/2020) Refer to circular (22/2020)

2-General Practitioner 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or - For overseas applicants 5

equivalent) from a university that is years clinical experience is
listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory. required
2- Should sit for the qualifying exam - For Qatari, offspring of
unless exempted Refer to circular Qatari women and offspring
(24/2020) of Qatar residents, please
refer to circular (24/2020)

3- Assistant Specialty 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or Refer to circular (21/2020)

Please refer to circular equivalent) from a university that is
(21/2020) listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory.
2- Specialty qualification from the
approved list. (Please refer to table
no. 2)

4-Specialty Scope 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or 5 years experience in total

Please refer to circular equivalent) from a university that is plus the required experience
(23/2020) listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory. post-specialty degree
2- Specialty qualification from the according to table no. 2
approved list. (Please refer to table
no. 2)

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5-Resident 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or No experience required.
equivalent) from a university that is
listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory.
2- Should have an acceptance letter
from the residency program in Qatar.

6- Fellow 1-Bachelor’s degree of Medicine (or 5 years experience in total

equivalent) from a university that is
listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory.
2- Specialty qualification from the
approved list.
3- Should have an acceptance letter
from the fellowship program in Qatar.

• General Practitioner (Supervised)

a) All practitioners under this category must be fresh medical graduates (graduated during
the last 2 years) who have bachelor’s degree in medicine and Surgery from a university
that is listed in the IMED FAIMER Directory. (MBBCh, MBBS, DM, etc.……)

b) The Title of “GP (supervised)” will be granted to the following categories after completion
of all the requirements:

✓ Qataris, offspring of Qatari women, and physicians holding QID with a family
sponsorship who doesn’t have the required years of experience.

✓ General Practitioners holding QID with family sponsorship, who have break from
practice.

c) Please refer to circular 22/2020 for all the required information

• General Practitioner

a) In determining the eligibility of an applicant for registration in GP Scope, applicant shall

comply with the following basic requirements:

1. To have a minimum of six (6) years undergraduate degree

(MBChB/MBBS/MBBCh /Northern American MD or equivalent)

2. The internship program can be considered for completion of the required

undergraduate study years, in case the medical college program is less than (6)
years.

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 b) All overseas practitioners under this category must pass the qualifying exam after
completing not less than five years of experience and meeting the registration and
licensing requirements.

c) For Qatari, offspring of Qatari women and offspring of Qatar residents, please refer to
circular (24/2020)

d) Listed below the qualifying exams that exempt applicants from the State of Qatar’s
qualifying exam for Physician, please refer to circular no. (17/2018).

✓ Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questionnaire

✓ Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 1

✓ United States Medical Licensing Examination Part 3

✓ Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1

✓ Hamad Medical Corporation National Board Examination

✓ The IFOM Clinical Science Exam

✓ Pre-Registration Examination system both parts (MCQ and OSCE) from Ireland

e) Validity of the Equivalent Exams is as specified on the exam certificate; else it will be
considered as 3 years.

• Assistant Specialty

a) This category is applicable only for physicians holding QID with family sponsorship in the
following cases: -

✓ Holding a post-graduate degree that is included in the DHP approved specialty

qualifications list for physicians; however, he/she did not complete the required years of
work experience in order to get “Specialty” title.

✓ Eligible for specialty title; however, he/she has a break from practice and should complete
a supervised practice period based on the “Break from Practice” policy.

b) Please refer to circular 21/2020 for all the requirements

• Specialty

a) Listed below are the current approved physician`s specialty qualifications in the state of
Qatar. (Table 2)

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 b) Physicians with Qualifications/Certificates not included in the list, or didn’t have the
required experience, or have a break from practice, or from countries other than the
below mentioned will not be eligible for registration in the State of Qatar.

c) For Qatari and family sponsored physicians please refer to circular number (21/2020)

❖ Definition:

In determining the eligibility of an applicant for registration with the Department of Healthcare
Professions, the following definitions for each category to be considered:

Category 1: Holders of these certificates can:

• Get the Specialty scope without clinical experience post qualification degree.
Category 2: Holders of these certificates can:
• Get the Specialty scope after completion of one-year clinical experience post qualification
degree then he/she will be eligible for registration and licensing in the State of Qatar as
Specialty.
• The required one-year clinical work experience must be outside Qatar and only from one of
the following Institutions:
a. Governmental and semi-governmental institutions/hospitals.
b. Teaching hospitals.
For Candidates holding the certificates with asterisk **

• Get the Specialty scope after completion of three years clinical experience post qualification
degree then he/she will be eligible for registration and licensing in the State of Qatar as
Specialty.
• For Qatari and family sponsored physicians two years clinical experience required post
qualification degree to get Specialty title.

• The required three years (or two years as specified above) clinical work experience must be
outside Qatar (except Qatari) and only from one of the following Institutions:
a. Governmental and semi-governmental institutions/hospitals.
b. Teaching hospitals.
Notes:

• For Category 2 and Certificates with ** if the applicant has less than the required years of
clinical experience post qualification degree or his/her clinical experience is not from
Governmental Institutions/Hospitals or teaching hospitals, he/ she will not be eligible for
registration in the State of Qatar.

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 • The Health care facility has the right to give consultant title to the physician/s according to the
policy guidelines mentioned in Appendix (1)

• Board Eligible Category (Only for HMC, PHCC and Sidra Medicine)

1. Board eligible physicians are defined as Physicians who:

• Are Qatari nationals or permanent residents of Qatar

• Graduated from any of the medical school(s) approved by/ in the State of Qatar

• Completed a structured training program in the United States or Canada (North America)
that is accredited by the Department of Healthcare Professions.
2. Board Eligible candidates will be registered & licensed as “Board Eligible physicians”
3. The physicians will be registered/ licensed under the above-mentioned category after
providing the DHP with a justification letter clarifying the reason of the delay in getting the
Board certification.
4. Physicians will be eligible to be licensed in their area of specialty, whenever they pass the
certifying exam.
5. Candidates, who didn’t get Board certification and willing to change place of work from
(HMC, PHCC and Sidra Medical & Research Center) to any other facility their scope of practice
will be changed according to circular number (20/2020).
6. Board Eligible physicians will be working under supervision.

Notes
• Qatari Physicians and Physicians who completed a training program that is accredited by DHP
in the State of Qatar and are Board Certified; are exempted from post qualification
experience to obtain the Specialty.

• Physicians shall have a post graduate degree from DHP’s approved qualification list to be
eligible for registration and licensing as a fellow in HMC and Sidra medicine.
• In case of any Governmental agreements with any country that are not included in the list,
specialization degree/ certificates can be assessed based on the agreement.

References:
• Circular (02/2019)
• Circular (20/2020)
• Circular (21/2020)
• Circular (22/2020)
• Circular (23/2020)
• Circular (24/2020)

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Table No 2: Update on the policy of Physicians' Approved Specialty Qualifications in the
State of Qatar

Country Category 1 Category 2

(region) of
conferring
institution
Arab countries Arab board for medical specialties
(except Qatar
and GCC
countries)

Algeria Higher medical studies (diploma) issued by Algerian

ministry of higher education.

Argentina Specialization Certificate issued by the Ministerio de

Desarrollo Socialy Salud

Austria Facharztdiplom (Diploma of medical specialist) issued

by ÖsterreichischeArztekammer
Or An ArztfürAllgemeinmedizin (Diploma of general
medicine)

Australia Membership/
Fellowship of the
Royal College.
(All the approved
specialist training
programs by
Australian Medical
Council).

Bangladesh Master of Surgery (MS)**, Doctor of Medicine (MD)**

or Fellow of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and
Surgeons**

Note: fellowship should be by Exam and not by

endorsement or election

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Belgium Bijzondereberoepstitel van geneesheerspecialist/Titre
professionnel particuier de médecin spécialiste
awarded by the Minister bevoegdvoor
Volksgezoondheid/Ministre de la Santé Publique
(Formal evidence of having qualified as a medical
specialist issued by the Minister of Public Health)

Bijzondereberoepstitel van huisarts/Titre professional

particulier de médecin généraliste
(certificate of specific training for general medical
practice)

Bosnia and Certificate of successful completion of specialist exam

Herzegovina **

Brazil "Titulo De Especialista" Issued by Brazilian Medical

Association and the Brazilian College of Surgeons
And
Registered with the Regional Councils or Federal
Medical Council as a Specialists

Bulgaria СвидетелствозапризнатаСпециалност
(Evidence of Recognized Specialty) awarded by the
Университет (University) **

Canada Specialization
Certificate of the
Royal College of
Physicians and
surgeons of Canada
(RCPSC)

Specialty Certificate
from the College of
Family Physician of
Canada (CFPC)

China Master’s Degree with Evidence of clinical training

(minimum two (2) years) program accredited by the
National Committee of Academic Degree **

Cuba First Degree of Specialization**

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Czech Republic Diploma Specializaci
(specialist medical degree)
awarded by the Czech
Ministry of Health**

Denmark Bevis for tilladelsetil at betegne sig

somspeciallaege
(Certificate concerning the title of Specialist -Issued
by Authority of health services
(Sundhedsstyrelsen).

Tilladelsetil at
anvendebetegnelsenalmentpraktiserendelæge/Spe
ciallæge i almenmedicin
(certificate of specific training for general medical
practice)

Egypt Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Fellowship of Egyptian
Board**

Finland Erikoislääkarin tutkinto/ Special läkarexamen

(Certificate of degree of specialist in medicine
awarded by a Finnish University).

Todistus yleislääketieteen erityiskoulutuksesta/

Bevis om särskild allmänläkarutbildning (Certificate
of specific training for general medical practice)

France Certificat d'études spécialisées de médecine (CES)

(Certificate of Specialized Studies in Medicine
issued by French University with Full license issued
by Conseil National de l’ordre des médecins)

Diplôme d'études spécialisées/ Diplôme d'études

spécialisées complémentaires qualifiant de
médecine
(DESC - diploma of complementary specialized
studies) issued by French University

Diplôme Interuniversitaire de Spécialité (DIS)

(Interuniversity Diploma of medical specialty)

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Germany Fachärztliche Anerkennung/
Fachärztliche Urkunde
(Certificate of medical specialist
issued by State’s Medical Council (
The Landesärztekammer)

A Zeugnis über die spezifische

Ausbildung in der Allgemeinmedizin
(Certificate of specialist training in
general medicine) issued by The
Landesärztekammer

Greece Τίτλoς IατρικήςΕιδικότητας (Certificate of medical

specialization -awarded by Greek region of medical
specialization)

Tίτλος ιατρικήςειδικότητας
γενικής ιατρικής
(certificate of specific training for general medical
practice)

Hong Kong Specialist training from a recognized post-graduate

training program in Hong Kong
And
Fellowship of Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM)

Hungary Háziorvostan Szakorvosi bizonyítvány issued by

Nemzeti Vizsgabizottság
(Hungarian specialist certificate awarded by National
Board of Examination or National Qualification Board
Before 28 August 2004 awarded by the Hungarian
Ministry of Health) **

India MD** or MS** from recognized Medical school or

DNB** from National Board of Examination

DM/[Link]

Iraq Fellowship of Iraqi Board issued by the Iraqi Commission

of Medical Specialties Or Fellowship of Kurdistan Board
issued by Kurdistan Board of Medical Specialties (FKBMS)
with certificate of completion of minimum 4 years
structured training program

Iran The Degree of Medical specialty/subspecialty

)‫يفوقيتخصصي‬/‫ )دانشنامهيتخصصي‬issued by University of
Medical Sciences and Health Services under the Ministry
of Health and Medical Education **

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Ireland Membership / Fellowship of the Royal Membership/ Fellowship of the
Colleges and Certificate of Satisfactory Royal Colleges before 1996
Completion of Specialist training (CSCST) from
Ireland
and
Certificate of Specialist Doctor issued by the
Medical Council of Ireland and Certificate of
Satisfactory Completion of Specialist training
(CSCST)

Membership/ Fellowship of the Royal College Intercollegiate Specialty

of General Practitioners and Certificate of examination from one of the four
Satisfactory Completion of training in General Surgical Royal Colleges**
Practice (CSCST) from Ireland
and
A certificate of specific qualification in General
medical practice issued by the Medical Fellowship of the Royal colleges
Council of Ireland and Certificate of after 1996**
Satisfactory Completion of training in General
Practice (CSCST)

Italy Diploma of specialized doctor

granted by a rector of an Italian university (A
Diploma di (medico) specialista, rilasciati dal
rettore di unauniversita)

An Attesto di formazionespecifica in
medicinagenerale (certificate of specific
training for general medical practice) issued
by the Ministry of Health.

Japan PhD
Note: minimum two (2) years
clinical course duration.

Jordan Jordanian Board awarded by the

Jordanian Medical Council

Korea Certificate of specialization awarded

by the Ministry of Health and
Welfare showing the completion of
the training program in addition to
passing the required examination.

Kuwait Arab board for medical specialties and

Certificate of completion of residency
program from teaching institutions in Kuwait

Board Certification by the Kuwait Board under

the Kuwait Institute for Medical
Specialization/Ministry of Health

Page 14 of 40
Lebanon Certificate of completion of residency and exit
specialization exam from:
• American University of Beirut (AUB) **
• Saint Joseph University **
• Lebanese University **
• Beirut Arab University (BAU) **

Libya Libyan Board of Medical Specialty

Malaysia Master/Doctor Degree minimum 4 years course duration

Morocco Diplome de Specialite Medicale (Specialty Certificate

issued by the National Physicians Authority)

Nepal MD ** or MS ** from recognized Medical school

Netherlands Bewijis van inschrijving in een Specialistenregister

(Certificate of recognition And Registration/certificate of
entry in the Specialist Register)
o Medisch Specialisten Registratie Commissie (MRSC)
o Sociaal-Geneeskundigen Registratie Comissie
o Huisarts en Verpleeghuisarts Registratie Comissie
(HVRC) van de Koninklike Nederlandsche Maatschappij
tot Bevordering der Geneeskunst
– Note that only certificates issued before 19 July 2007
are accepted from this awarding body
o Registratie Comissie Geneeskundig Specialisten (RGS)

Certificaat van inschrijving in een specialistenregister van

huisartsen
awarded by any of the following:
o Huisarts en Verpleeghuisarts Registratie Comissie
(HVRC)
o Registratie Comissie Geneeskundig Specialisten (RGS)

New Fellowship of the

Zealand Royal College/
Colleges

Norway Spesialistgodkjenning issued by the Den Norske

Legeforening (Medical Association of Norway) or
Norwegian Directorate of Health

Bevis for kompetanse som allmennpraktiserende

lege/Godkjenning som allmennpraktiserende lege
(certificate of specific training for general medical
practice) issued by Norwegian Registration Authority for
Health Personnel (SAK)

Page 15 of 40
Oman Arab board for medical specialties and
Certificate of completion of residency
program from teaching institutions in
Oman

Omani Board

Pakistan Fellowship of College of Physicians and

Surgeons in Pakistan (FCPS)**

Philippines Diplomate of the Philippine Board**

N.B. Diplomate from the following institutions
is accepted: -
• Philippine Society of
Anesthesiologists**
• Philippine Academy of Family
Medicine**
• Philippine College of Physicians**
• Philippine Obstetrical and
Gynecological Society**
• Philippine Society of Pathologists**
• Philippine Pediatric Society**
• Philippine College of Radiology**
• Philippine College of Surgeons**

Poland (Specialist Diploma) Dyplom uzyskania tytulu

specjalisty issued by the Centrum Egzaminow
Medycznych**
First Degree of Specialization**

Portugal Título de Especialista (professional award of

specialist) issued by the Ordem dos Medicos

Título de especialista em medicina geral e

familiar (certificate of specific training for
general medical practice) issued by Ministrio
da Saude or Ordem dos Medicos

Qatar Arab board for medical specialties and

Certificate of completion of residency
program from teaching institutions in
the state of Qatar

Qatar Medical Specialties Certificate

(Qatari Board)

Certificate of Completion of
Fellowship training from teaching
institutions in the state of Qatar

Page 16 of 40
Romania Certificate de medic specialist issued by Ministerul
Sănătătii Publici (the Ministry of Public Health) **

Certificat de medic specialist medicină de familie

issued by Ministerul Sănătătii Publici (the Ministry
of Public Health)**

Russia Magista PhD**

Saudi Arab board for medical specialties

Arabia and Certificate of completion of
residency program from teaching
institutions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Specialty Certificate (Saudi

Board) issued by Saudi commission
for Health Specialties

Serbia Specialty certificate issued by a Serbian university

And Registration as a specialist from the Serbian
Medical Chamber **

Singapore Exit Certificate from Joint

Committee on Specialist Training
(JCST) and Certificate of Specialist
Accreditation from the Specialist
Accreditation Board

Slovakia Diplom o špecializácii (Diploma of specialization)

issued by Slovak universities**

Slovenia Potrdilo o opravljenem specialisticnem izpitu

(Certificate of successful completion of the
specialist exam) issued by Medical Chamber of
Slovenia**

South Master of Medicine ([Link]) Degree or Fellowship

Africa Certificate approved by the Colleges of Medicine of
South Africa (CMSA)

Spain • Título de Especialista (professional qualification

of a specialist) issued by the Spanish Ministry of
Health and Consumer Affairs or the Spanish
Ministry of Education and Culture
• Título de Especialista en medicina familiar y
comunitaria (specialist certificate in family and
community medicine) issued by the Spanish
Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs or the
Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture

Page 17 of 40
Sudan Clinical MD Issued by Sudan Medical
Specialization Board
Or Clinical MD issued by University of
Khartoum and Specialist Registration from
Sudan Medical Council

Switzerland Diplôme de médecin

spécialiste/Diplom als Facharzt/
Diploma di medico specialista
(specialist qualification) issued by
the Swiss Federal Department of
Home Affairs (FDHA)
Or Master of Advanced Studies of
Clinical Medicine

Sweden Bevis om specialistkompetens

som läkare (certificate of the
right to use the title of specialist)
issued by the Socialstyrelsen
(National Board of Health and
Welfare of Sweden)

Bevis om kompetens som

allmänpraktiserande läkare
(Europaläkare) (certificate of
specific training for general
practice) issued by the
Socialstyrelsen (National Board of
Health and Welfare of Sweden)

Syria Higher Study Certificate issued by Ministry

of Higher Education **

Syrian specialization certificate issued by

MOH**

Syrian board**

Specialist registration is not accepted as

recognized specialty certificates

Tunisia Specialty Certificate issued by the Ministry

of Higher Education and Ministry of Health

Turkey Uzmanlik Belgesi issued by Sağlık

Bakanlığı (Certificate of Medical Specialty
issued by Ministry of Health)

Page 18 of 40
United Arab Arab board for medical
Emirates specialties and Certificate
of completion of
residency program from
teaching institutions in
U.A.E.

Ukraine PhD**

United Membership/Fellowship Membership/Fellowship of the Royal Colleges

Kingdom from Royal Colleges + before 1996
Certificate of Completion
of Specialist Training
(CCST) or equivalent in
U.K.

Intercollegiate Specialty examination from one

of the four Surgical Royal Colleges**

Membership/Fellowship Fellowship of the Royal Colleges after 1996 **

from Royal College of
General Practitioners +
Certificate of Completion
of Training in General
Practice (GP) awarded by
PMETB and Registration
with the GMC as a GP in
U.K.

United States American Board of

of America Medical Specialties
(ABMS) Certificates and
Subspecialty Certificates

Page 19 of 40
No.3: General Remarks

❖ It is to be noted that the above table is not exclusive, and the Department of Healthcare
Professions (DHP) reserves the right to amend and update the requirements at different
intervals without prior notice.

❖ Holder of a Qualification degree which is higher than the degrees mentioned in the above table
will be considered accordingly.

❖ In case the post-graduate certificate is limited to certain duration of time according to its issuing
Authority (such as The American Board certificates), it will not be mandatory to be valid on
applying for Registration/licensing in Qatar, in case the certificate was valid at the time of leaving
the country of issuing this certificate.

❖ The Department of Healthcare Professions reserves the right to ask for recommendation letters
if required.

❖ The Department of Healthcare Professions reserves the right to conduct interviews as part of the
evaluation process if required.

❖ The Department of Healthcare Professions reserves the right to ask for additional supporting
documents whenever needed.

❖ Holders of specialty certificates in the main specialty while their work experience in the sub-
specialty, can be granted a scope of practice as per the sub-specialty only if the university/issuing
institution does not have the sub specialty degree at the time he/she got the degree. The
Registration Section may request for an official proof (if necessary).

❖ The Department of Healthcare Professions reserves the right to consult an expert panel in the
respective specialty whenever required.

❖ Physicians cannot be registered with double specialties unless they are related.

❖ Healthcare facilities are given the right to grant the title of specialist or consultant to their
physicians, according to the Guidelines and standards approved by the Department of
Healthcare Professions. (Appendix 1)

Page 20 of 40
❖ The applicant must be reasonably fluent in either Arabic or English or both.

❖ Please ensure to check the below mentioned websites for any updates:

✓ [Link]

✓ [Link]

APPENDIX (1):

Healthcare facilities have the right to promote their Physicians to consultant according to the below
guidelines and criteria:

1. Physician must be licensed in a specialty area by the Department of Healthcare Professions.

2. Holders of certificates from Category 1, can be promoted to Consultant title after completion
of one year of clinical experience post qualification degree.
3. Holders of certificates from Category 2, can be promoted to Consultant title after completion
of four years of clinical experience post qualification degree.

4. Holders of certificates from Category 2**, can be promoted to Consultant title after
completion of seven years of clinical experience post qualification degree.

5. The physician should be the first or second author for at least 2 articles published in peer-
reviewed journals; only one of the articles can be a case report.
6. The physician should have at least two recommendation letters and satisfactory performance
reports from his current place of work.
7. Promotion to consultant title should be through a committee from the Medical director,
Quality improvement member and a member from the Human Resources Department.
8. All mentioned documents should be available on request from the Department of Healthcare
Professions for Auditing purposes.

Page 21 of 40
2. Temporary License Process Map

Start

Apply online for “Temporary

License”, complete and submit
the application with all the
Request will return to the required documents - refer to
Applicant’s landing page the “Temporary License”
requirements

Send back
Registration Section
with Incomplete
will check the request
comments

Complete

Application will
be approved

Registration Section will issue a

non-renewable Temporary
License valid for 6 months

End

Page 22 of 40
Temporary License Requirements:
Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply for Temporary License” request and upload the below mentioned
required documents, (documents uploaded in the evaluation will remain available on the system
unless expired):
1. Copy of valid passport.
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back) (If applicable)
3. In case the healthcare practitioner applies for the temporary license without a QID, then the
following documents must be submitted:
• Valid medical test (valid for up to 6 months) from the home country (Chest X-ray and Blood
Test report including the following tests: “Hepatitis B Surface AB, Hepatitis B Core AB,
Hepatitis B Surface Ag, HCV AB and HIV”) attested from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Qatar (MOFA).
• Police Clearance Certificate from the home country attested from MOFA in Qatar.
4. Undertaking letter for temporary licenses for the practitioner. (the template is in the
“Additional Attachments” document)
5. Undertaking letter for temporary licenses for the facility which must be submitted once by
hand to the Registration Department. (the template is in the “Additional Attachments”
document)
Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• Temporary Licenses shall be valid for a maximum period of 6 months (non-renewable).
• The practitioner must apply for a licensing application during the temporary license
validity period; otherwise, they will have to re-apply for evaluation.
• In case of negative verification reports and proven incidents of fraud, the license will be
suspended, practitioner will be banned from practicing immediately and this will result in
disciplinary actions on the practitioner.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above
must be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to
check for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.
References:
• Circular (22-2018) - Launch of Electronic “Temporary License” Applications.
• Circular (09-2018) - Updates on Temporary License Policy

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3. Licensing Process Map

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Licensing Requirements

Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply for Licensing” request and upload the below mentioned required
documents, (documents uploaded in the evaluation will remain available on the system unless
expired):
1. Copy of valid QID (front and back) (If applicable)
a. For male practitioners (and female practitioners on their employer’s sponsorship), the
sponsor should be the potential employer.
b. For female practitioners on a family sponsorship, please attach the QID in addition to
a letter of intent from your potential employer.
2. Copy of the verification report.
3. Copy of valid Police Clearance Certificate from Qatari Ministry of Interior directed to the
Ministry of Public Health for licensing purposes.
4. Medical report (valid for 6 months), which can be issued by:
a. HMC
b. Medical Commission
c. Private hospitals (Al Ahli, Al Emadi & Doha Clinic)
d. Primary Health Care Corporation (For Qataris only)
5. Medical report must include the following tests: HIV test, HCV AB test, HBV Surface Ag,
HBV Surface Ab, HBV core Ab and Chest X-Ray.
6. Copy of Valid Recognized CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) course or its equivalent (or
CPR registration receipt + undertaking letter that CPR certificate will be submitted upon
completion). (Please refer to circular no. 3/2017 & 8/2016)
7. Original Certificate of Good Standing -valid for 6 months unless else specified on the
certificate- must be sent directly from the Registration authority (or authorities) of the most
recent required years of work experience, to: Registration Section, Department of Healthcare
Professions, Ministry of Public Health, P.O. Box: 7744, Doha, Qatar or
DHPGoodSt@[Link]. If you have received your Certificate of Good Standing by hand
from the authority, you can submit it to the PSV company and upload the final verification
report.
Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• The certificate of good standing will be reviewed during this phase; any misleading
information provided will result in further investigations and could result in disciplinary
action.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on receiving the certificate of good standing.

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 • Applicants/employer representatives can follow up on the certificate of good standing
with DHPGoodSt@[Link]
• The facility license showing the approved activities must be provided upon request.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above
must be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to
check for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.

You can follow-up on the request with your employer representative.

For Locum physicians

The following items are required in addition to the previous requirements noted above:

1. Copy of recent blood test and chest x-ray (valid for 6 months from the test date) from
Medical Commission Dept. (or an attested valid blood test & chest x-ray from home
country along with an undertaking letter signed and stamped from the place of work
stating that the blood test and chest x-ray will be taken in the State of Qatar before
commencing work).
2. Police Clearance Certificate from the home country attested from MOFA in Qatar.
3. The healthcare institution must submit an application along with specific dates for the
expected visits (for e.g. From: DD/MM/YR To: DD/MM/YR) without contradicting with the
recruitment system in the Ministry of Interior with regards to the period of the visit.
4. There must be a licensed specialty physician on a permanent basis with the same specialty
for following up the cases that the Locum doctor deals with.
5. No QID is required for Locum Doctors; please check circular 14/2015 & circular no.
12/2020.
6. A letter of intent should be attached from the potential employer.

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4. Surgical privileges process map

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Surgical/Medical Privileges Requirements
A] First Time Surgical /Medical Privilege Application:
Submit a manual Surgical/ Medical Privileges request attached with all the below mentioned
documents:
(Two copies to be submitted)

1. Surgical/ Medical Privileges Form for the specific specialty (marking in the requested column)
and signed by the physician and the medical director of the facility where the applicant will
perform the privileges. (Available on the DHP website)
2. If there is no surgical privilege form for a specific specialty available on the website, kindly add
the required privileges by a separate letter.
3. Copy of Valid Medical License or copy of valid evaluation.
4. No objection letter signed & stamped by the medical director of the place of work mentioned
in the applicant license to perform the privileges in their facility or another facility with theater
or day care.
5. Request Letter from the facility where the applicant will perform the privileges, if it is different
workplace from the one mentioned in his/her license.
6. “Request for approval to perform surgical privilege” form signed and stamped by the medical
director of the facility where the applicant will perform the privileges.
7. Copy of official surgical logbook for the last 3 years (must be attested by Ministry of Foreign
affairs “MOFA”- Qatar or verified by PSV company).
8. Personal declaration for Surgical/ Medical Privileges.
9. Copy of Academic qualifications.
10. Copy of Curriculum - Vitae (C. V).
11. Recommendation letters (if any).
12. Copy of valid facility license with the list of approved services.

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B] Re-applying for Additional Surgical/ Medical Privileges Application (After a 6-month
period):
Submit a manual Surgical/ Medical Privileges request attached with all the below mentioned
documents:
(Two copies to be submitted)

1. Justification letter for applying for additional Surgical/ Medical Privileges.

2. Copy of previous Surgical/ Medical Privileges approval letter from Registration Section.
3. Surgical/ Medical Privileges Form for the specific specialty (marking in the requested column)
and signed by the physician and the medical director of the facility where the applicant will
perform the privileges. (Available on the DHP website)
4. Copy of new training certificate/courses attended in the requested privilege.
5. Copy of new work experience in the requested privilege (logbook)
6. Copy of Valid Medical License or copy of valid evaluation.
7. No objection letter signed & stamped by the medical director of the place of work mentioned
in the applicant license to perform the privileges in their facility or another facility with theater
or day care.
8. Request Letter from the facility where the applicant will perform the privileges, if it is different
workplace from the one mentioned in his/her license.
9. “Request for approval to perform surgical privilege” form signed and stamped by the medical
director of the facility where the applicant will perform the privileges.
10. Copy of official surgical logbook for the last 3 years (must be attested by Ministry of Foreign
affairs “MOFA”- Qatar or verified by PSV company).
11. Personal declaration for Surgical/ Medical Privileges.
12. Copy of Academic qualifications.
13. Copy of Curriculum - Vitae (C. V).
14. Recommendation letters (if any).
15. Copy of valid facility license with the list of approved services.

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Important Notes

• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated and
attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Any other required documents that are not mentioned above should be submitted upon
request.
• The PLC has the right to cancel any of the competencies, core or advanced privileges if it has
been confirmed the unsafe practice of the physician for any of the granted procedures.
• The applicant can apply for Surgical/ Medical Privileges in alignment with evaluation.
• Healthcare practitioners can apply to perform the surgeries in a workplace with theater or
day care different from the one mentioned in his license.
• The original attested or verified -by primary source verification company- surgical logbook
must be submitted to the Registration Section prior to the issuance of the final letter
numerating all the privileges approved by the expert panel.
• Original documents/ certificates must be presented upon request.
• All Surgical/ Medical Privileges requirements applicable on Locum practitioners.
• It is prohibited to communicate directly with the surgical committee in regard to the follow
up of healthcare practitioners’ Surgical/ Medical Privileges requests. Anyone who violates the
above, will be held accountable and be subject to disciplinary actions, such as rejection of the
respective request with an official warning sent to the concerned facility "refer to circular
2/2014".
• If the healthcare practitioner is not satisfied with the result of the requested privilege or the
result is not clear, he can apply for appeal within one month of the issuance date of the
privilege letter, with all the required documents mentioned in the first time Surgical/
Medical Privileges Application category, in addition to, a justification letter and Copy of the
result (committee evaluation) issued by the Registration Section/ Department of Healthcare
Professions for the pervious privilege/s request.
• Any appeal request after a period of one month will not be considered.
• Any incomplete request will not be processed and will be sent back to the counter with a
note for all the missing documents.
• Reapplying for additional Surgical/ Medical Privileges will only be considered after a period
of 6 months, and if the applicants submit new documents as new logbook or courses or
training that had not been submitted or evaluated through the committee before.

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 • Licensed Specialty physicians can practice within their core competencies and core privileges
specific to their scope. However, any procedure within the core privileges that needs
operating theater must be performed in a licensed facility with theater or daycare setting.
• Licensed Specialty physicians can apply for advanced privileges within their scope of practice
only.
• Licensed Specialty physicians are not allowed to apply for any privileges out of their scope of
practice.
• Licensed Assistant Specialty physicians are not allowed to apply for core nor advanced
privileges however, they can assist their supervisor in performing core/advanced surgical
procedures as per the supervisor’s scope of practice and the surgical privileges granted to
the supervisor by the DHP. The first surgeon and the assistant with the facility will be
responsible for any complication that can take place to the patient.
• Licensed Associate Physicians can apply for the core privileges as per their scope of practice
only.
• Licensed Associate Physicians, upon changing their scope of practice to specialty:
1. Core privileges -that were not approved by DHP previously- will not be granted
automatically accordingly they should apply for these privileges.
2. Can apply for the advanced privileges as per their scope of practice only.
• Please refer to the Department of Healthcare Professions website frequently to check the
updates of the surgical/ medical privileges requirements.
• Follow-up on request through the facility focal point (After a minimum period of 30 working
days)

For further clarification please contact the Registration Team on DHPRegistration@[Link]

References:
• Circular (20/2018) - Core and Advanced Privileges Policy for Different Physician’s
Categories/Specialties

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5. License Renewal Process Map

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License Renewal Requirements

Step1: Fulfilling CPD Requirements

• All licensed healthcare practitioners are mandated to participate in CPD activities

according to the policies and regulations of the Accreditation Section of the Department of
Healthcare Professions in order to renew their licenses. All licensed healthcare practitioners
are responsible to fulfill annual, category-specific, and CPD cycle requirements and
maintain records of CPD activities in the CPD e Portfolio prior to submission of their
renewal applications.

• Please refer to the Accreditation Section’s standards and guiding documents for more
details about CPD Requirements.

Note: Healthcare Practitioners cannot submit renewal applications unless they are fully
compliant to the CPD Requirements. System will not allow practitioners to apply for renewal
of their licenses and an automated message will be generated informing practitioners that
they don't meet the CPD requirements.

Step2: Fulfilling Renewal Application Requirements

Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply for Renewal” request and upload the below mentioned required
documents:
1. Copy of valid passport.
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back).
N.B. For male practitioners (and female practitioners on their employer’s sponsorship), the
sponsor should be the employer.
3. One recent photo (according to photo criteria stated in circular (04-2014) or in the
“Additional Attachments” document).
4. Medical Report will be requested as per the health fitness policy issued by the Fitness to
Practice Section, which published in their circular (01-2019).
5. Copy of Valid Recognized CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) course or its equivalent as
per circular (3-2017), (or CPR registration receipt + undertaking letter that CPR certificate
will be submitted upon completion), unless the Health care facility has an approval letter
issued by the Department of Healthcare Professions regarding their “Code Blue Team”.

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 6. An employment letter (the template is in the “Additional Attachments” document)
7. For assistant specialty and GP (supervised), supervision letter, logbook and assessment
reports will be required. (please refer to circular number 21/2020 and 22/2020)
8. Any other additional documents might be requested.

Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above must
be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to check
for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.

You can follow-up on the request with your employer representative.

For Locum physicians

The following items are required in addition to the previous requirements noted above:

1. The healthcare institution must submit an application along with an official letter
confirming that the physician is working on visiting basis and showing specific dates for
the expected visits (for e.g. From: DD/MM/YR To: DD/MM/YR) without contradicting with
the recruitment system in the Ministry of Interior with regards to the period of the visit.
2. There must be a licensed specialist on a permanent basis with the same specialty for
following up the cases that the locum doctor deals with.
3. No QID is required for Locum Doctors; please check circular 14/2015 & circular no.
12/2020.
4. Work experience certificate for the last two years of experience attested from the Qatari
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or copy of proof of submission to the verification company for
the work experience certificate).

References:
• Circular No. (3/2019)
• Circular No. (1/2019) issued by the FTP section

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6. Change Place of Work Process Map

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Change Place of Work Requirements

Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply to Change Place of Work” request and upload the below mentioned
required documents:
1. Copy of valid passport
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back)
a) For male practitioners (and female practitioners on their employer’s sponsorship), the sponsor
should be the new employer or a secondment from the Ministry of Interior along with an
undertaking letter that a renewed secondment or QID will be submitted upon expiry of the
attached one.
b) For female practitioners on a family sponsorship, please attach the QID in addition to a letter
of intent from your new employer and a letter of no objection from the old employer.
3. Any other adjustment according to the current laws and regulations in the State of Qatar
4. Copy of valid facility license with the approved services list issued by the facility department-
MoPH.
5. In case of changing from Code-blue facility to non- code blue facility, CPR courses as per circular
no. 3/2017 will be requested.
6. For assistant specialty and GP (supervised), supervision letter, logbook and assessment reports
will be requested. (please refer to circular number 21/2020 and 22/2020)
Notes
• In case the “Apply to Change Place of Work” request was submitted after evaluation (before
licensing), then the QID will not be required. However, a letter of intent from the new
employer and a letter of no objection from the old employer will be required instead.
• For locum physicians, the QID will not be required. However, a letter of intent from the new
employer and a letter of no objection from the old employer will be required instead.
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above must
be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to check
for updates of the requirements.
• The facility license showing the approved activities must be provided upon request.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.

You can follow-up on the request with your employer representative.

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7. Add/Change Scope of Practice Process Map

Page 37 of 40
Add/Change Scope of Practice Requirements

Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply to Add/Change Scope of Practice” request and upload the below
mentioned required documents:
1. Copy of valid passport
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back).
3. A recent no objection letter from the employer for the addition/change of scope.
4. Copy of additional academic certificates relevant to the new scope (if applicable).
5. Copy of additional experience certificates (with an issue date) relevant to the new scope (if
applicable).
6. Copy of the verification report for any additional documents.

Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• If the application is for an additional scope, then this must be mentioned in the “Additional
Information Section”.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above must
be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to check
for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.

You can follow-up on the request with your employer representative.

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8. Certificate of Good Standing Process Map (For Healthcare Practitioners
who have a medical license issued by DHP)

❖ A black and white copy of the certificate of good standing can be requested by the applicant
in the comments section of the application.

❖ The Registration certificate/ To whom it may concern certificate can be issued and collected
by the applicant only in a sealed envelope.

❖ Verification forms can be filled and sent to the competent authority.

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Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) Requirements
Please apply through the Registration/Licensing Electronic System on the Department of Healthcare
Professions website, complete the online application and pay the required fees (if applicable).

Submit an electronic “Apply for a Certificate of Good Standing” request and upload the below
mentioned required documents:
1. Copy of valid passport
2. Copy of valid QID (front and back).
3. Copy of all academic certificates relevant to applicant’s scope.
4. Certificate of good standing from last place of work (in Qatar).
5. Clear address of the Registration Authority to which the Department of Healthcare Professions
will submit the certificate.

Notes
• Applications that do not meet the requirements above will be sent back to the applicant
maximum for 3 times then it will be rejected if all the requirements are not fulfilled.
• Original documents/certificates might be requested on a case-by-case basis.
• Any other documents required to support the application that are not mentioned above must
be submitted upon request.
• Any documents presented in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated to
Arabic or English and attached to a copy of the original documents.
• Please refer to the website of the Department of Healthcare Professions frequently to check
for updates of the requirements.
• A case-by-case assessment may be implemented.

You can follow-up on the request with DHPRegistration@[Link]

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