Qatar continues to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art medical facilities in its fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Earlier, this month, the Primary Health Care Corporation had announced that the Muaither Health Center and Rawdat Al Khail Health Center temporarily function as ‘test and hold’ facilities for suspected cases of COVID-19.

And now, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has revealed that Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH) will be used as a treatment facility for COVID-19 patients.

The aim is to ensure that the patients receive high-quality care in an integrated facility, HMC said.

The quick transformation of HMGH into a COVID-19 treatment facility reflects the proactive approach of the healthcare sector as it tackles the epidemic, according to Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari.

“Right from the onset, we have acted quickly and decisively and put measures in place without delay,” she underlined.

“This is exactly what is needed to combat such a fast-moving virus as COVID-19. I am proud of the efforts of the front-line team involved in getting HMGH operationally ready to provide high-quality care to patients with COVID-19,” she said.

Patients who have contracted COVID-19 and experience moderate to severe symptoms will be admitted to HMGH. At this facility, they will receive the necessary treatment and will be under constant surveillance.

Head of the Health System Committee for Accident Control to confront COVID-19, Dr Saad Al Kaabi said, “The decision to transform HMGH into a COVID-19 treatment facility is part of the healthcare sector’s proactive plan to ensure it can manage any potential escalation in the number of patients testing positive for the virus.”

He mentioned that HMGH was specifically chosen to treat these patients because it is one of HMC’s newest facilities and will provide a modern, state-of-the-art environment for the treatment of patients, both men, and women of all nationalities.

The hospital has 147 beds, including 42 intensive care beds and 105 inpatient beds.

The hospital's capacity can be increased to 471 beds (221 beds for intensive care and 250 beds for inpatients).

If required, in the future, the facility can also provide a COVID-19 emergency department with a capacity of 150 beds.

All ambulatory services at HMGH have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

However, the hospital’s Emergency Department remains open as normal to treat life-threatening emergency medical conditions.

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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Source: QNA

Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@HMC_Qatar