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Tribune News Network
Doha
Since the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) was assigned by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in late March 2020 to operate the Mekaines quarantine and isolation facility for workers, it has received approximately 50,000 workers, including 12,000 suspected cases and 38,000 confirmed cases, Dr Hassan Ali Kassem, chief medical officer of QRCS’ Medical Affairs Division, has said.
“The medical services at Mekaines begin at the very point when the guests arrive by bus at the reception point, which is open 24/7,” he said.
“This is a large, well-protected hall designed to receive new patients. The medical staffs register the personal data of the guests in the system and carry out a triage process according to certain criteria to determine who is to be admitted and who is to be transferred to other isolation places for more specialised medical care. These criteria include age, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, renal failure or autoimmune disorders) and severe respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or acute coughing. Everything is coordinated with the COVID-19 System Wide Incident Command Committee (SWICC).
“We’re making sure every patient has the Ehteraz App on their smartphone. For those who don’t, we’re helping them download and install it. We’re also double-checking the swab results to make sure they’re all positive. Each patient will then receive a hygiene kit and card with a block number, villa number, and room number. Finally, new entrances are transported by bus to their accommodation in the Red Zone.
“In order to respect the cultural and religious background of patients, every patient is asked about their preferred diet (vegetarian, Asian, Arabic, etc.) and worship rituals. Those with similar nationalities are accommodated together to ensure familiarity and socialisation.
“The average duration of the accommodation is 14 days. Each block is divided into four zones, each with a medical clinic where a GP and a nurse are stationed to perform regular examinations for patients in the Red Zone. Medical professionals wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) and all medical devices and consumables stay inside the clinic. Medical examinations and medicines are given to patients free of charge.
“In case of an emergency, there is a phone number and WhatsApp that can be used by patients to call the doctor 24/7. Or they could call the 16006 hotline or talk to the nearest guard at the gate of the zone.
“As far as psychological support and health education are concerned, a specialised team carries out daily activities to improve the morale of quarantined guests. According to the SWICC instructions, a list of those eligible for a discharge is prepared on a daily basis, after ensuring that they have completed 14 days in isolation, are in good health and the Ehteraz App is activated. They can resume their normal lives after that.
“The Mekaines began with a small number (about 3,000 guests) and gradually expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 quarantine people at some point. First, it was intended for quarantine, but at the beginning of May, it was transformed into an isolation centre for confirmed infections. To meet the growing demand, the QRCS brought around 150 physicians, nurses and technicians to provide medical services.
“I would like to thank those who have supported us in this great work, including MoPH; Hamad Medical Corporation (MHC); the Ministry of the Interior (MOI); the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; government organisations; NGOs; companies; and individuals.”
Doha
Since the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) was assigned by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in late March 2020 to operate the Mekaines quarantine and isolation facility for workers, it has received approximately 50,000 workers, including 12,000 suspected cases and 38,000 confirmed cases, Dr Hassan Ali Kassem, chief medical officer of QRCS’ Medical Affairs Division, has said.
“The medical services at Mekaines begin at the very point when the guests arrive by bus at the reception point, which is open 24/7,” he said.
“This is a large, well-protected hall designed to receive new patients. The medical staffs register the personal data of the guests in the system and carry out a triage process according to certain criteria to determine who is to be admitted and who is to be transferred to other isolation places for more specialised medical care. These criteria include age, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, renal failure or autoimmune disorders) and severe respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or acute coughing. Everything is coordinated with the COVID-19 System Wide Incident Command Committee (SWICC).
“We’re making sure every patient has the Ehteraz App on their smartphone. For those who don’t, we’re helping them download and install it. We’re also double-checking the swab results to make sure they’re all positive. Each patient will then receive a hygiene kit and card with a block number, villa number, and room number. Finally, new entrances are transported by bus to their accommodation in the Red Zone.
“In order to respect the cultural and religious background of patients, every patient is asked about their preferred diet (vegetarian, Asian, Arabic, etc.) and worship rituals. Those with similar nationalities are accommodated together to ensure familiarity and socialisation.
“The average duration of the accommodation is 14 days. Each block is divided into four zones, each with a medical clinic where a GP and a nurse are stationed to perform regular examinations for patients in the Red Zone. Medical professionals wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) and all medical devices and consumables stay inside the clinic. Medical examinations and medicines are given to patients free of charge.
“In case of an emergency, there is a phone number and WhatsApp that can be used by patients to call the doctor 24/7. Or they could call the 16006 hotline or talk to the nearest guard at the gate of the zone.
“As far as psychological support and health education are concerned, a specialised team carries out daily activities to improve the morale of quarantined guests. According to the SWICC instructions, a list of those eligible for a discharge is prepared on a daily basis, after ensuring that they have completed 14 days in isolation, are in good health and the Ehteraz App is activated. They can resume their normal lives after that.
“The Mekaines began with a small number (about 3,000 guests) and gradually expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 quarantine people at some point. First, it was intended for quarantine, but at the beginning of May, it was transformed into an isolation centre for confirmed infections. To meet the growing demand, the QRCS brought around 150 physicians, nurses and technicians to provide medical services.
“I would like to thank those who have supported us in this great work, including MoPH; Hamad Medical Corporation (MHC); the Ministry of the Interior (MOI); the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; government organisations; NGOs; companies; and individuals.”
