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Table 1 Policy initiatives, structures and events

From: Evolution of policy for the treatment of substance use disorders in Qatar

1977

Bureau of Interpol and Drug (BID) established under the Criminal Investigation Department.

1980s

BID became known as the Drug and Alcohol Combating Unit.

1987

Qatar enacted first law on Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances.

1991

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) established under the Ministry of Interior (MOI). DEA commence drug awareness and prevention activities.

1999

Permanent Committee for Drugs and Alcohol Affairs (PCDAA) established under the MOI.

Early 2000

Young locals using inhalants, heroin and stimulant use reached the attention of policy makers.

2006

Social Rehabilitation Centre was established by Law No 21 of 2006.

2009

Social Rehabilitation Centre commenced supporting people with drug problems and works collaboratively with the MOI.

2012

Supreme Council of Health’s Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) established with in-patient and out-patient facilities for people who use drugs. The TRC starts receiving referrals from concerned relatives of people who use drugs and the MOI.

2013

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report states that the country’s drug problem is relatively contained.

2015

Qatar’s Fourth Human Development Reports states that addiction is a health and social challenge and a human rights issue.

2015

The Emiri Decision No (17) of 2015 paved the way to establish the Naufar Center as a state-of-the-art resort type facility to treat patients with substance use disorders. It includes inpatient, outpatient and residential rehabilitation services.

2015

The Emiri Decision No (17) of 2015 defines addiction as a disease and places the ownership of treatment for substance use disorders within Naufar Center.

2017

Qatar Institute of Health Matrix and Evaluation states that drug use disorders have causes significant disability within a ten-year period.

2018

The Qatar Second National Development Strategy includes drug control as an outcome.

2019

Cabinet approved the decision to establish a Permanent Committee for Addiction Treatment headed by the Minister of Public Health.