Qatars health minister meets with two COVID-19 survivors

Tribune News NetworkDohaMinister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al Kuwari on Wednesday met with two patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The minister met with 40-year-old Qatari Faisal al Athba and 39-year-old Filipino bank worker Juan Micau at the Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Ambulatory Care Center.One of the first patients to donate blood plasma to help cure COVID-19 patients, Athba was full of appreciation for the care he received at the CDC.He also lauded the donation service which enables plasma to be collected from the recovered patients and then transfused into a COVID-19 patient who is receiving treatment. The donated blood contains antibodies built up in the recovered patient’s plasma that can help patients undergoing treatment to improve their resistance and recovery from the virus.Micau said he believes he may have contracted COVID-19 while on vacation in the Philippines in the beginning of March. After arriving back in Qatar on March 11, Micau began to experience symptoms including a sore throat and cough. Following instruction from his employer, Micau visited Al Khor Hospital for a COVID-19 test. On receiving his positive test result he was admitted to Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital for treatment and monitoring. Micau stayed in the hospital for two weeks and was discharged after making a full recovery on 29 March.Athba and Micau are two of 406 people to have recovered from COVID-19 in Qatar, a number which continues to increase every day.