Qatar has been pulling out all the stops to safeguard the health of its citizens and residents amid the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

While the country's health system ensures the availability of dedicated facilities for testing, management, and appropriate treatment for those affected by COVID-19, it has also stepped up to the challenge by introducing new mechanisms to ensure continuity of care to other patients.

To limit the spread of the disease and avoid crowding at hospitals and medical facilities, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) activated a set of remote access channels to healthcare services at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

A senior official from PHCC underlined that while certain changes have been made, the corporation continues to serve all patients as needed.

Executive Director of the Employment Department at PHCC Dr Samya Al Abdulla outlined some of the changes and their effectiveness since they have been introduced.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) confirmed that all health centers affiliated with the corporation are keen to receive all patients without delay #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 26, 2020

These include: the transfer of appointments registered in some specialties to telephone consulting service as well as new services launched to facilitate previous ones with the aim to empower patients to receive quick care and required medical advice.

She mentioned that the services that continue, given their importance, are healthy child clinics and vaccinations, ultrasound radiology clinics, and pre-marital examination clinics. These are available in Leabaib Health Center, the Airport Health Center, Al Khor Health Center, the Al Rayyan Center, and the West Bay Center. Some specialized clinics are also accepting urgent cases.

However, the PHCC official urged patients to visit the health center only when necessary. Patients can access their periodic health services through PHCC's electronic and virtual services. 

In terms of urgent care, Dr Al Abdulla mentioned that the urgent care units in Muaither centers, Abu Bakr Center, Rawdat Al Khail Center, Al Shahaniya Center, Gharrafat Al Rayyan Center, Al Kaaban Health Center, and Al Ruwais Health Center are fully operational as usual, throughout the week and around the clock.

Prior appointments are not needed at the health centers and the cases are attended to in all specialties, she said.

Dr Al Abdulla shined a spotlight on PHCC's remote services:

- Telephone Counselling Service (Sunday to Thursday/ 7 am to 11 pm)

Health center doctors contact the patients according to their pre-determined appointments, where the doctor can see the patient's electronic file and diagnose the patient accordingly. The doctors can place orders for medicine or any necessary transfers in the electronic system.

Since its launch on March 18 until April 20, 49,341 high priority patients (with prior appointments) were provided medical support through this service.

From April 15, the second phase of this service was launched, which allow patients to book an appointment through the hotline 107 in most specialties, including dental services.

- Community Call Center (Seven days a week/ 7 am until 11 pm)

The Community Call Center serves patients who require urgent medical advice without an appointment.

They can call 16000 and be transferred to PHCC's call center. The center offers a virtual medical consulting service (call and video call). 

PHCC specialists are available to provide consultations, diagnose the patients' condition, and prescribe medication, where necessary. 

From March 29 until April 20, as many as 13,703 calls were answered and 4,531 medical consultations were provided through this service. Moreover, 377 consultations were on video calling.

The center also offers a Chatbot on the MoPH, PHCC, and Hukoomi websites. This is a self-assessment tool for COVID-19 and also guides individuals on preventive measures.

- Electronic Medical Certificates

Patients can request a medical certificate online through the PHCC's website. The medical certificate will be issued electronically. Those requesting the certificate will be required to provide their health card number.

This service is available to all patients registered with PHCC who need a report on their health status for those with chronic diseases or pregnant women to provide them to employers during this period, Dr Al Abdulla specified.

Virtual Diabetes Clinic

PHCC, in coordination with MOPH and HMC, also set up a virtual diabetes clinic to communicate with diabetic patients. The clinic facilitates proactive treatment with a preventive strategy to minimize the risk of COVID-19 for diabetics. This is in addition to providing them the regular care they need to manage their conditions.

- Medicine Delivery Service (Sunday to Thursday/ 8 am - 2 pm and 4 pm - 10 pm)

This service, which is beneficial for health center patients, especially patients suffering from chronic diseases and the elderly, sees patients' medications to be delivered at their homes through Qatar Post.

Each health center has a corresponding WhatsApp number to communicate with patients. The required medication will be delivered within two working days.

The service is available for all cases and priority for patients with chronic diseases and the elderly who need to re-dispense drugs periodically, Dr Al Abdulla said.

Since the delivery was launched on March 25 until now, 6000 patients have benefitted from the service.

On average, the daily delivery of medicines reaches about 700 patients.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. 

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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Source: QNA

Cover Image Credit: Qatar Tribune