baby delivery in qatar

AussiePaki
By AussiePaki

hello all,
my husband and i have moved to Doha from Australia two and a half months back.I have already searched site for my queries but have decided now that its better to ask the questions myself.I am right now 31 weeks pregnant with my first baby(and naturally very confused and scared).I don't have health insurance that will cover my maternity expenses but because of that we are not ruling out the option of delivering our baby in private hospital or getting better treatment.Due to this I am right now going for regular checkups at the antenatal clinic of west bay health center(as they told me that i will be referred to HMC after my 34 weeks) and already had an appointment with Dr Rizvi at AlAhli hospital.Now my questions are:-
1)Is Hammad Hospital better for child delivery or AlAhli?(i know its not a fair comparison because of the BIG difference in the fees they are asking...but still)
2)has any of you had any bad experiences of childbirth in any of the hospitals mentioned above?
3)Is it possible to get a private room at hammad hospital? how much does it cost? what is the procedure for booking? do we have to book in advance?
I will really appreciate you all replying to any of the questions above based on your personal experiences.
regards
(i am using my husband's QL id...plz dont get cofused :) )

By seasons• 15 Jan 2012 12:53
seasons

My wife went through the same thing January 1, this year. Dr. Dia is really good as well as Al Ahli's service. Would recommend Dr. Dia.. With two miscarriages and may be 7 doctors we found Dr. Dia the best..

By AussiePaki• 15 Jan 2012 12:18
AussiePaki

Hi Davinci73, sorry for the very late response. I dont know how much response will mean to you now. Anyways I'll reply to your questions one-by-one:

1) My wife got epidural

2) In the gynaecology roster at Al Ahli Hospital, Dr Rizvi is on call a few days a week. Other days on-call doctors are Dr Dia and Dr Sujatha (I think). Therefore, depending on the day a woman requires surgery, the on-call doctor is called and he/she performs the surgery. In my wife's case, Dr Dia performed the C-Section as he was on-call doctor that day. Both Dr Dia and Dr Rizvi are very competent doctors, so I dont have any issues with any of them.

3) As what I remember, most stiches got dissolved apart from one or two. We went to the hospital, a week after delivery, for the remaining two stiches to be cut. Its a quick and painless process (virtually take 1 min for the doctor to do it)

4) At Al-Ahli Hospital, post C-Section care was excellent. I have no complains. However they did do one thing incorrect. They did not ask me or my wife about feeding our baby and they fed him with formula milk with a bottle directly. This caused major issues with my wife as she wanted my baby to breastfeed from Day 1. Also it makes it difficult for the baby to switch to breastfeeding after taking bottle milk. In all developed countries, they usually ask one of the parent about the choice to breastfeed or bottlemilk?

5) At Hamad Hospital, the pregnant women, if not Qataris, have to wait for 2 to 4 hours or more before they are seen by the doctor. I would recommend never to go to Hamad Hospital unless one can totally not afford the private hospitals.

6) Al-Ahli emergency is excellent. They take care of the patient straightaway (not even 2 minutes delay). They even asked me to fill all the forms later and first they attended to the patient. There are always doctors and nurses there, and the nurses at Al Ahli are almost as capable as doctors.

Hope the above info helps.

By Davinci73• 26 Dec 2011 12:24
Davinci73

i have some queries if u can please answer

1.your wife got epidural or general anesthesia?

2.was it done by Dr. Rizvi or some one else?

3.was the stitches to be cut or it was invisable?

4.how was the care after c-section?

5.@ hamad when u went in emergency there was no nursing at all?

6.when u went to al-ahli in emergency how was she treated n the doctor was there for the section?

thank you

By AussiePaki• 13 Aug 2011 11:49
AussiePaki

Hi eliniki, sorry for the late reply as we have been extremely busy with becoming with the new baby nowadays. My wife chose Al Ahli Hospital for baby delivery. She gave birth to a cute little baby boy. My wife had to undergo emergency c-section as natural birth was not looking probable after more than 30 hours of labor.

Since we were not insured, we ended up paying enormously huge amounts, around the range of QAR 28,000. However the treatment and facilities were excellent. The doctors and nurses both were excellent, and I seriously dont have any regrets at all that we spent a huge amount, since its for our baby.

When my wife first had labor pain, we went to Hamad Emergency. They made her wait in labor pain for 2 hours and told her that it would take another 2 to 3 hours before doctors can attend her, as there were no beds available. There were other women at the hospital who were in much dire condition than that of my wife, and even they had to wait for such long periods. A week before delivery, we also had a terrible experience at Hamad Emergency. My wife was not being able to feel the baby movements for a few hours and she got worried. When we went to Hamad Emergency, they made us wait for 4 hours before the doctor saw her. They also asked her to come back the next day for more testing, and they again made her wait for 4 hours. It was horrible considering my wife was 9 months pregnant and off-course feeling all sorts of back-pains. I felt really bad and we decided that we'll go to Al Ahli Hospital for baby delivery. At Al Ahli Emergency, they attended to my wife within 10 min.

At Hamad Emergency, the doctors and nurses are all very nice and always smiling, but it doesnt help that they do not have enough beds and CTG machines for pregnant women. It was terrible for my wife to see so many poor pregnant women who were crying loudly and even then the nurses were unable to help them due to all beds being occupied.

Anyways, I feel very lucky and thankful to God that I could afford to pay at Al-Ahli Hospital. Anyone who can afford to pay should seriously consider Al-Ahli Hospital for baby delivery as doctors, surgeons and nurses there are top-class and remember, its a matter of your own baby which is worth everything to parents.

If you have any queries for my wife, please do not hesitate to contact or pm us. Thanks.

By eleniki• 17 Jul 2011 15:16
eleniki

Can you please give us some feedbacks, i guess you gave birth already, so tell us which hospital you chosed, which dr, and how everything went ? did you have c-section or naturally ? best of luck!

By maryam• 17 May 2011 02:22
maryam

i would say go for Hamad! I'll never forget what a positive experience I had with delivering my baby girl. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly,supported me all the way. I had an epidural so luckily they do have medicine for pain. Although husband's are not allowed,but one female is allowed to be with u throughout! And i had a private room it was very posh,costed QR800..hope this helps in your decision..

By maryam• 17 May 2011 02:21
maryam

i would say go for Hamad! I'll never forget what a positive experience I had with delivering my baby girl. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly,supported me all the way. I had an epidural so luckily they do have medicine for pain. Although husband's are not allowed,but one female is allowed to be with u throughout! And i had a private room it was very posh,costed QR800..hope this helps in your decision..

By zenomathews• 11 Apr 2011 17:01
zenomathews

Different Views is Confusing always!!

Keep commenting QL frnds......As some information is really very valuable to us as my wife is going to deliver in 3 months time.

@ Gladiator1 : I heard the same from some people that in Hamad they don't take the patient into the delivery room untill the very last moment and yes they have to cry real hard to make it in the delivery room...damnnn !!

By navika• 11 Apr 2011 16:17
navika

Hamad is the best... I just delievered a kid 3 months back.... Very nice care and they give proper attention to the patients and as my opinion with Al Ahli is very bad...

By microsoft• 11 Apr 2011 15:20
microsoft

I dont have nay bad exp with hamad. But i prefer to go to alahli. my wifes delivery was there in alahli and i was very happy with their service. only problem which faced to get appointments for the senior consultants.Our doctor was Ms.Nazeem, she is simply superb..she joined back again. so plz consultant her.

By nambiar• 11 Apr 2011 14:21
Rating: 4/5
nambiar

in QATAR HMC is the best.

By VTSHA• 11 Apr 2011 14:14
VTSHA

HMC IS FAVAURABLE IN ALL COAT AS AM A STAFF TOO..I KNOW HOW EXPERIENCED HANDS HANDLE THINGS..

By Minoush• 11 Apr 2011 13:50
Minoush

Does anyone know if the father can be with you if you are having a C-section at Al ahli?

By burhan7257• 11 Apr 2011 13:48
burhan7257

nooo idea ..

By madurai• 11 Apr 2011 13:37
madurai

HMC best................forever in Qatar compare with other Hospitals. All "D" Best.

By wannabelikemike• 11 Apr 2011 13:32
Rating: 3/5
wannabelikemike

My wife gave birth at Al Ahli under Dr. Rizvi's care with our first child last January 2011.

Facilities are great, nurses & house keeping are friendly. All of our needs are taken cared off: from extra pillows to extra napkins, from every now and then asking the nurses for simple matters to even asking them to bring in the doctor for extra hard questions.

My friends' wife gave birth at Hamad though and they too have a positive feedback on how they were taken cared off.

One advantage of Al Ahli is that your visitors can come & go anytime they pleases and there's no limit to how many of them. Your husband can even accompany you to the delivery room if you'l be giving birth via normal procedure.

But sadly, yeah Al Ahli is expensive if you do not have any insurance.

By Gladiator1• 11 Apr 2011 13:32
Gladiator1

Avoid Hamd,

I was there on last 21st for my wife delivery,

they will not take the patient if the patient not make BIG CRY, my wife told them many times that she had pain, but they nvr listen, and she suppose to deliver in the ward , Alhudu Lila, we just escaped ……. and if they make delay for 2 minutes she will deliver in the ward coz when they took her to labour room baby’s head was out, and when I was there two delivery case reported in the ward itself with near our room,

last week one my friend relative also delivered in ward ......

so think twice before u choose hamd

By ace.auteur• 11 Apr 2011 13:30
ace.auteur

Do yourself a favour and buy a med insurance that includes maternity coverage. God forbid, but if something goes wrong, you will pay through your nose for medical procedures. Does your husband have medical insurance for himself? If possible, have him add you to his plan.

HMC is a safe bet.

By charline• 11 Apr 2011 13:28
charline

I believe that Hammad Hospital is very safe but when I had to chose I went for Al Ahli for the 3 following reasons:

- my husband could be in the delivery room with me

- I knew that I will get what I ask against the pain (not so sure it is the case in Hammad)

- the environement is much nicer and you do not really feel in an hospital in Al Ahli (less stressfull for me)

I do not regret my choice but I have to say that I was disapointed by Al Ahli. One of the reason is that I delivered in the night and they did not had enough staff to handle all deliveries they had and also the qualified staff was gone. But we managed to call back the doctor.

In both case, Hamad and Al Ahli I believe you are in good hands...do not stress. Visit the 2 places and make your choice also with the place you feel the most confortable with.

By Milky_BarKid• 11 Apr 2011 13:25
Rating: 4/5
Milky_BarKid

Depends on if yer want your wife to be in Private hospital with all its Perks or in a Government hospital with its restriction.

Medically they are both the same I guess

By Scorpion786• 11 Apr 2011 13:22
Scorpion786

In my opinion HMC is the best place to have your baby. I had my son there and I was given excellent care and treatment, the doctors and the nurses are so friendly. Rather than u asking others opinion why not you find out about MMC by yourself as you will be refered there during your 34th week? Once you go there you will realize the support and cooperation by the staff and the I must HMC is safe place to shed your baby as they are fully equiped and charge no money

Best of Luck

By snessy• 11 Apr 2011 13:20
snessy

I believe some hospitals don't allow the father in the delivery room. If you want your hubby there, you'll have to find out which hospitals will allow him in.

By DaRuDe• 11 Apr 2011 13:19
DaRuDe

:?

By anahmed• 11 Apr 2011 13:18
Rating: 5/5
anahmed

1. Definitely Hamad is better as they have more experienced doctors, medical care and they try their best to avoid a C-Section unlike private hospitals.

2. An unexperienced & overly expensive medical service experience in Al-Ahli. Hamad though they make you wait alot for your appointment & all but eventually their medical care is alot better than the rest.

3. Yes, single room is Qrs 800/day & VIP is 1600/day at Hamad. You will reserve the room once you are in the hospital itself for labor not a prior reservation.

All the best....

By pradeephse• 11 Apr 2011 13:13
Rating: 5/5
pradeephse

hai,

around 5 months ago my wife had a delivery in Hamad hospital. It was a sizerian, I have no any bad comment about Hamad hosp. They will provide a room for two patients which will be partitioned by curtain. Hosp charge will be 100 riyal per day for the room and other expenses are free of cost. but you have to take Hamad health card.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.