Coronavirus: HMC changes outpatient, surgery norms

Tribune News NetworkDohaThe Hamad Medical Corporation on Tuesday implemented a slew of measures concerning outpatients, those awaiting surgeries and others seeking services at its hospitals in Qatar as part of the preventive measures against coronavirus.HMC has set up a new telephone service to reschedule appointments as all regular surgeries have been postponed, HMC Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Abdullah al Ansari was quoted as saying by Al Watan. The decision was taken to increase the availability of beds in hospitals.On Sunday, the Ministry of Public Health and HMC will launch an education and awareness campaign for all citizens and residents on how to prevent coronavirus disease, he added.However, organ transplants and surgeries for cancer patients will go on as per schedule. Visiting time for visitors at in-patient units and long-term care facilities has been limited to 15 minutes and visits are only permitted for first and second degree relatives.