The rapid rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the Omicron and Delta variants in Qatar has caused concern for public health at large. Due to this, the Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) have now made several changes to their service delivery to safeguard patient health. 

The family medicine model, integrated care, and specialized services are to operate at 50% capacity with respect to in-person consultations and 50% online consultations. PHCCs stated that general and specialized dental services will also be reduced to 50% face-to-face consultations and appointments for the same will be given when considered necessary. 

The Community Call Center will continue to operate as usual and all virtual consultations (via call or video) will be offered at all PHCCs. The SMART consultations appointments will all be carried out virtually until further notice. However, Well-baby clinics will be operated at 100% capacity. 

The Nar’aakom smartphone application that provides comprehensive and integrated digital healthcare management will continue to provide benefits to the community. 

Patients going through the ‘Drive Thru’ swab services can visit all the 14 PHCCs as usual between 4:00 pm to 11.00 pm (10.30 being the last time for patient entry into premises). The COVID-19 vaccination services are to operate at optimum capacity. 

Dr. Samya Abdulla, Executive Director of Operations at Primary Healthcare Operations stated that all PHCC services include a combination of virtual and face-to-face to ensure continuity of healthcare services while adhering to compliance measures. He further urged everyone to comply and follow the news for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) for further updates. 

PHCCs will continue to operate with 50% capacity and the same efficiency keeping in sync with all the necessary precautions, social distancing measures, usage of protective equipment, disinfection protocols, and regular virus testing for the staff.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial

Cover Image Credit : PHCC
Source: Qatar Tribune