19.08.2008
DOHA 2016 CHAIRMAN WELCOMES NEW SPORTS MEDICINE HOSPITAL
The Chairman of the Doha 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Bid, Mr Hassan Ali Bin Ali, has welcomed the inauguration of Qatar’s new world class Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.
Mr Ali Bin Ali said: “This new sports medicine hospital is a great addition to the already world class sporting infrastructure that we are proud to have in Doha.”
He added: “The completion of this new facility emphasizes yet again how committed Doha is in its Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016. I know that it will be a huge asset, not only to sport in Doha, but also in the region and potentially in the wider world.”
The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital will offer comprehensive diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy services associated with sports injuries. It has a 100-bed in-patient facility and can take care of up to 200 out-patients a day.
In addition operating theatres, spas and a 167-seat auditorium, the five-storey hospital also features 25 normabaric sealed chambers, which simulate a high-altitude training environment. Top athletes often use high-altitude training to improve their performance in preparation for important competitions.
The hospital is located at the heart of the Doha 2016 venue plan, making possible rapid treatment of sports injuries immediately on site if they are sustained during the Olympic competitions.
It has also been suggested that the hospital may host the WADA regional anti-doping testing laboratories, which are expected to open in Doha by 2010.
On a recent visit to the hospital at Khalifa Sports City, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he was impressed by the facilities and hinted at future cooperation, saying: “It is really one of the medical centres which we in the FIFA would be keen to be associated.”