QNA
Doha
Qatar is looking forward to conduct high-speed tests to diagnose coronavirus (COVID-19) and is ready to use a set of rapid testing equipment to combat its spread, Director of Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health HE Sheikh Dr Mohammed al Thani has said.
“The main task of the healthcare sector now is to control the spread of infection among members of society. So, we focus on testing samples and applying isolation procedures for patients, we conduct approximately 2,000 sample tests per day. And we also look forward to have a short testing mechanism, in order to do the largest number of test samples in a shorter time,” he said during an interactive webinar organised by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF to discuss the results of scientific research on infectious diseases and their potential implications for COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the medical sector receives all the required support through the proactive approach adopted by the government since the crisis began to contain the virus, through its implementation of strict precautionary measures to ensure social distancing, and to maintain the absorptive capacity of the medical sector, which is extremely important.
“Therefore, critical decisions were taken, such as quarantining all citizens returning from abroad, in addition to suspending schools and shops until further notice,” he added.
He pointed out that one of the goals that focuses on is the development of a research roadmap that will contribute to the global efforts to combat coronavirus.
“This includes setting a proactive implementation plan to keep the situation under control, investing more in the monitoring sector, implementing precautionary measures, continuing to test samples and applying isolation, ensuring the safety of all citizens and residents, increasing awareness and educating people about the disease,” he added.
The latest edition of the Research Outcome Seminar series, an initiative of Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) that highlights the impact of the projects it supports, show how researchers in Qatar and beyond are developing new ways to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, and directly address the health risks they create.
The webinar hosted by scientists presenting the results of their research projects, including whether the COVID-19 pandemic can still be suppressed; the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Infection Survey: viruses linked to hepatitis C and gastroenteritis; human papillomavirus; influenza complications in patients with diabetes; and whether face masks can protect people against viral respiratory infections.
