Apex Health Earns Five Prestigious Patient Experience Awards from Arab Hospitals Federation, Cementing Regional Leadership in Healthcare Excellence
Apex Health, a dynamic and rapidly expanding healthcare provider and a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding Q.S.P.C., has been honored with five Distinction Awards under the Arab Hospitals Federation’s (AHF) esteemed Gold Initiative Certificate – Star of Excellence in Patient Experience. This landmark achievement not only highlights Apex Health’s unwavering commitment to patient-centered care but also positions the organization as a vanguard of clinical and operational excellence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The awards were unveiled during a high-profile ceremony held under the patronage of the Arab Hospitals Federation and in strategic collaboration with The Beryl Institute—a globally recognized authority on patient experience based in the United States. The event brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the Arab world, underscoring the growing emphasis on quality, safety, and human-centered care in regional health systems.
Out of a competitive field of 267 healthcare institutions spanning 10 countries, Apex Health and four of its hospitals—two located in Qatar and two in Iraq—emerged as standout performers. The rigorous, multi-dimensional evaluation process, conducted by an independent international jury in partnership with The Beryl Institute, assessed organizations across five critical domains: patient safety, clinical quality, service innovation, governance, and the end-to-end patient journey. Apex Health’s success in all five categories reflects a deeply embedded organizational culture that prioritizes empathy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“This is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Joseph Hazel, Group CEO of Apex Health. “Earning five certificates of distinction across our facilities in Qatar and Iraq is a powerful testament to the dedication of our staff, the trust placed in us by our patients, and our shared vision to redefine healthcare standards across the MENA region. These accolades are not just about recognition—they are validation of our strategy, built on strong international partnerships, adherence to global best practices, and close collaboration with government stakeholders to deliver care that is safe, innovative, and deeply personal.”
In addition to the five Distinction Awards, Apex Health also received a Recognition Award under the same Gold Initiative framework, further affirming its status as a trusted leader in sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery. This dual recognition underscores the organization’s holistic approach—where clinical outcomes are inseparable from the human experience of care.
A Strategic Vision for Patient-Centered Excellence
Apex Health’s success is rooted in a deliberate and forward-looking strategy that aligns global medical excellence with localized care delivery. The organization has forged strategic affiliations with some of the world’s most respected healthcare institutions, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (USA), Asan Medical Center (South Korea), and Seoul AHNKANG Hospital (South Korea). These partnerships enable Apex Health to integrate cutting-edge protocols, advanced training methodologies, and evidence-based practices into its daily operations—ensuring that patients across its network receive care that meets or exceeds international benchmarks.
The company’s portfolio currently includes eight hospitals strategically located in Qatar, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya, serving diverse populations with varying healthcare needs. Despite operating in complex and sometimes challenging environments, Apex Health has consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on quality—qualities that were clearly recognized by the AHF jury.
Transforming the MENA Healthcare Landscape
The timing of these awards coincides with a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Middle East’s healthcare sector. In Qatar, in particular, the healthcare ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by significant private investment, government-led health reforms, and the entry of globally renowned medical brands. This shift marks a broader regional trend: a move away from traditional, publicly dominated systems toward a more dynamic, hybrid model where private providers like Apex Health play a central role in setting new standards for care.
This transformation is not merely about infrastructure or technology—it’s about reimagining the relationship between patients and providers. In this new paradigm, patient experience is no longer a secondary consideration but a core metric of success. Apex Health’s recognition by the Arab Hospitals Federation signals that the organization is not only keeping pace with this evolution but actively leading it.
The Gold Initiative: Raising the Bar for Regional Healthcare
Launched by the Arab Hospitals Federation in collaboration with The Beryl Institute, the Gold Initiative Certificate – Star of Excellence in Patient Experience represents one of the most rigorous and respected accreditation frameworks in the Arab world. Unlike traditional quality assessments that focus primarily on clinical processes, the Gold Initiative evaluates the entire patient journey—from first contact and appointment scheduling to in-hospital care, discharge, and post-treatment follow-up. It emphasizes empathy, communication, dignity, and emotional support as essential components of high-quality care.
Apex Health’s ability to excel across all evaluated dimensions speaks to its comprehensive approach. From frontline staff trained in compassionate communication to digital systems that streamline access and reduce wait times, every element of the patient experience is intentionally designed and continuously refined.
A Culture Built on People and Purpose
At the heart of Apex Health’s success is its people. The organization invests heavily in staff development, leadership training, and wellness programs, recognizing that engaged, empowered caregivers are the foundation of exceptional patient experiences. This people-first philosophy extends to its leadership team, which maintains an open-door policy and fosters a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose.
“Our staff are not just employees—they are ambassadors of our mission,” Hazel emphasized. “Every nurse, physician, administrator, and support team member plays a vital role in shaping how our patients feel when they walk through our doors. These awards belong to them.”
