The Hidden Cost of Free Cosmetic Surgery: Lessons from Qatar’s Model

Qatar's strong economy, high savings rate, and political stability have enabled it to implement one of the most ambitious sustainable development plans in the Middle East.This is clearly reflected in its healthcare system, which provides high-quality, often free services to citizens as part of its national welfare strategy. 1Qatar is among the few countries in the world where cosmetic surgical procedures are offered free of charge to all its citizens, including abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and body contouring, among others in the governmental hospitals. 2This rare national policy has led to significant positive and negative implications for the healthcare system, particularly for plastic surgery services and residency training.