File photo used for representation only.
DOHA: The public is urged to reserve visits to Emergency Departments for severe medical emergencies that require immediate attention during the Eid Al Fitr holidays. For non-emergency conditions, patients are encouraged to visit Urgent Care Centres operated by the Primary Health Care Corporation.
Senior Consultant of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Warda Ali Alsaad said that the Emergency Departments across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals have a well-implemented plan to handle potential emergencies during the Eid holidays.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr. Warda emphasised that the HMC Emergency Departments will remain operational 24/7, receiving patients around the clock throughout the holidays.
“We are prepared to receive patients 24/7, including both walk-in patients and those transported by ambulance. However, we encourage individuals with non-emergency conditions to seek care at Urgent Care Centres,” she said.
Dr. Warda added that approximately out of the 800 to 1,000 patients seen daily at the Hamad General Hospital Emergency Department 60% are of minor or moderate conditions.
For life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pain, choking, stroke, difficulty breathing, heart attack, or unconsciousness, patients are advised to call 999 immediately for an ambulance.
For non-life-threatening emergencies, such as deep cuts, broken bones, abdominal pain, allergic reactions that do not affect the airway, patients are advised to go to the nearest emergency department on their own, if possible.
For non-emergency conditions that cannot wait for an appointment at a health centre, such as a sprain, fever, throat, ear pain, mild respiratory problems, or minor burns, patients should visit an Urgent Care Centre, which is open 24/7.
Dr. Warda also advised the public to follow healthy habits and safety precautions to avoid health complications and accidents, as many cases seen in Emergency Departments during the Eid holidays are related to stomach ailments, respiratory issues, road traffic accidents and trauma.
“Individuals, especially those with chronic health conditions, should avoid overconsumption of refined carbohydrates, fatty foods, sweets, and foods high in salt,” she said, adding that it is important to make healthy food choices and maintain a balanced diet and light exercise during Eid.
Dr. Warda also urged motorists to follow traffic rules, wear seat belts, avoid speeding, and refrain from using mobile phones while driving, as road traffic accidents typically increase during the Eid holidays.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of children during the holidays. Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult, whether at home, in public places, at the beach, or near swimming pools.
In a statement issued yesterday, the HMC said that all emergency services, including the Emergency Departments, Pediatric Emergency Centers, and the Ambulance Service, will continue to operate as normal, 24-hour-a-day, seven days a week, during the Eid holidays.
The Nesma’ak 16060 call center will continue to operate 24/7 and the 16000 Government Healthcare Hotline will continue to operate 24/7.
All HMC Outpatient clinics will be closed from March 30 to April 5. Some outpatient clinics will open on April 6 and 7, with full service operational across HMC from April 8. The patients with scheduled outpatient appointments during the Eid period will be contacted if there is any change to their scheduled date.
Urgent Consultation Service (accessed via 16000) will be closed from March 30 and reopen April 8.
