The College of Law and Public Policy (CLPP) of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been working with high-profile legal and medical specialists from local and transnational organisations in Qatar as part of its innovative course on Healthcare Law.

Led and designed by Dr Barry Solaiman, assistant professor at CLPP, the unique module was exclusively available to Juris Doctor (JD) students, comparatively examining healthcare law and policy in the United Kingdom and Qatar.

Alongside Dr Solaiman, 12 guest speakers – all leaders in their respective fields – were invited to speak from the standpoint of Qatari law and the legal issues in the country. Their first-hand insight provide for a collaborative platform for health sector professionals to discuss legal concerns.

Professor Clinton Francis, Dean of CLPP, said that it has been an ideal experience for CLPP students.

We are fortunate to be part of a module that is at the cutting edge of legal education, with both the fundamental theoretical elements of healthcare law, as well as the hands-on practical experience of leading experts in Qatar. This was made by our speakers who have extensive experience in furthering the healthcare system in Qatar, in line with country’s 2030 vision.’

Distinguished guest speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Q Life Medical Insurance Company, as well as many other leading doctors who have spearheaded the development of law and policy of healthcare issues in Qatar. The course culminated in a visit to the Fahad Bin Jasim Kidney Centre in Doha following the invitation of the Centre Director, Dr Riadh Fadhil.

The comparative module enabled students to receive a holistic experience covering critical issues such as organ donations, mental health, pregnancy, death, medical malpractice, medical research, bioethics, and health system governance.

Dr Solaiman said that this is only the beginning for the Healthcare Law module. He said that they aim to build on ‘solid foundations’ by developing strong collaborative links with the healthcare sector in Qatar.

This should be a two-way process between HBKU and the sector. Experts have poured their time and knowledge into the foundations. In years to come, we hope that this tree bears fruit – providing creative ideas and legal analyses that the sector needs.’

Dr Solaiman was also recently invited to speak to the European Law Association and the Middle East Law Students Association at Harvard Law School about the Healthcare Law course at HBKU.

To find out more about HBKU, visit their website at hbku.edu.qa.