The initiative is said to be the first step towards introducing a law making the use of child passenger seats compulsory. There are plans to make seat belts compulsory for passengers in the rear seat as well.

Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, inaugurated ‘Ghalai’, Qatar National Child Passenger Safety Program, a national initiative to ensure safety of child passenger at Women’s Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC).

“Qatar is committed to work towards ensuring members of the community and especially young children are as safe as possible on Qatar’s roads,” said Dr Al Kuwari.

The initiative is a collaboration between several governmental and private institutions including the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior (MoI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Conoco Philips and Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.

Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, at the inaugural function 

“We hope to have changes in the law soon, which will include making use of seat belts compulsory for passengers in the rear seats and child passenger seats. It will take time to make these changes. As a first step, through ‘Ghalai’, we will create awareness and educate the public about the importance of using child seats,” said Colonel Mohammad Radi Al Hajri, from General Directorate of Traffic at the MoI, addressing a press conference held following the launch of ‘Ghalai.’

The Minister also unveiled the first Ghalai station at the WWRC, which is staffed by trained Passenger Safety Technicians, who will help parents fit child safety seats in their car. It will be operated and overseen by the Hamad International Training Centre at HMC. Parents will be able get their car seats fitted through appointments or as walk-in visitors.

“With more than 20,000 babies born each year, the initiative can play a significant role in improving education and awareness on road safety of newborns and children,” said Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, Director, HITC.