(MENAFN- The Peninsula) fazeena saleem |
The Peninsula
Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has urged the public to seek healthcare services at right facilities during Eid holidays and beyond.
Acting Chairman, Corporate Department, Emergency Medicine at HMC, Dr. Aftab Mohammad Umar, said that the Emergency Departments across HMC hospitals are well prepared to receive patients during upcoming holidays for Eid Al Fitr.
He, however, urged patients who require care for non-emergency and non-life-threatening conditions to seek services provided at urgent care centers operated by Primary Health Care Corporation.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr. Umar said,“It is very important that our community extends their cooperation and chooses the proper facility when required. This will allow patients to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right provider.”
Emergency Departments at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital are open and working 24x7 during Eid holidays.
Dr. Umar said that an effective plan will be implemented for any potential emergencies during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.
“Number of social activities increase and people have change in food habits during Eid holidays. Due to this, we see an increase in people coming to the Emergency Departments with injuries, especially minor traumas, digestion-related disturbance like gastritis and gastroenteritis.
“Some patients present with complications related to blood sugar and blood pressure as medication time changes on Eid days after a month of fasting,” he said, adding that patients involved in road traffic accidents are also seen often at emergency rooms during Eid holidays.
“Therefore, we have activated a plan to ensure appropriate coverage for the expected increase in number of cases received in emergency departments; that includes staff, equipment and other logistics,” Dr. Umar added.
He also urged public to enjoy happy, safe and healthy Eid holidays and try their best to avoid unhealthy food and related habits; to be more careful in driving and take all safety precautions when engaged with different activities.
HMC's five Paediatric Emergency Centres in Al Saad, Al Rayyan, Al Shamal and Al Dayeen and Airport area will operate round the clock throughout the Eid Al Fitr holiday period. They would handle medical emergencies involving children under the age of 14 years. The Ambulance Service will continue to operate normal service during this period for people requiring emergency medical assistance.