With a focus on early detection and appropriate care and management of those affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Qatar has been working above and beyond to ensure the availability of medical facilities and clinical capacity to tackle the situation. 

Earlier, the country turned some of its existing medical facilities into dedicated COVID-19 testing centers including four health centers. These include Al Gharaffa Health Center, Umm Slal Health Center, Muaither Health Center, and Rawdat Al Khail Health Center.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)'s Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH) is also being used as a treatment facility for COVID-19 patients. The quick transformation of HMGH into a COVID-19 treatment facility echoed the proactive approach of the healthcare sector as it tackles the epidemic.

Qatar's Public Works Authority, Ashghal, also announced that it has set up a Medical Quarantine Complex in Umm Slal, which includes a field hospital. 

Yesterday, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the Ras Laffan Hospital and the Ruwais Health Center for Health and Recovery.

The two facilities will be dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients and build on Qatar's efforts to ensure the availability of necessary facilities as it continues its fight against the virus.

During the visit, HE the PM was informed about the services and equipment used at the hospital and the health center.

Both facilities are equipped with the most advanced medical technologies in care and diagnostic services. The capacity of Ras Laffan Hospital exceeds 400 beds.

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari and senior officials from the Ministry of Public Health, HMC, and the Primary Health Care Corporation accompanied HE the PM on the visit.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior on Thursday inaugurated Ras Laffan Hospital and the Ruwais Health Center for Health and Recovery, which are dedicated to treating patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). #QNA pic.twitter.com/PAcvfjtrvg

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 23, 2020

Meanwhile, in terms of treatment, Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad Medical Corporation’s Communicable Disease Center (CDC), recently highlighted that the center began using blood plasma treatment for some critical cases of the infection and the initial results have been promising.

As health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

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

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Cover and Inline Image Credit, Source: QNA