During the Eid Al Adha holiday period in Doha, Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) successfully delivered emergency services without any notable increase in the overall number of incidents compared to non-holiday periods. Officials from HMC reported that all cases attended to during the holidays were classified as minor or moderate, showcasing the preparedness and efficiency of the emergency services in handling public health and safety concerns during special occasions. HMC’s main Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Ambulance Service, and Paediatric Emergency Centers (PEC) continued to serve thousands of patients 24 hours a day throughout the Eid holidays.
The Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital treated over 1,020 patients over two days, with most cases being treated and discharged home. Dr. Yousif Eltayeb, Senior Consultant of Emergency Medicine at HGH, emphasized the smooth delivery of services during holidays and advised the public to avoid consuming junk food, heavy meals, caffeine, and soft drinks. He also urged parents to ensure the safety of their children during the holidays by supervising them, preventing falls, and keeping them safe around swimming pools, playgrounds, and roads.
HMC’s six Paediatric Emergency Centers saw more than 3,600 cases during the first two days of Eid, mainly for viral illnesses such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lower respiratory infections. Dr. Mohammed Al Amri, Chairman of Pediatrics and Director of PECs at HMC, noted that most cases were minor to moderate, with only a small number requiring admission for further treatment. The Ambulance Service received over 1,400 calls over two days and transported eight individuals via air ambulances.
During the Eid holidays, HMC deployed 140 ambulance units, including ambulances, field supervisors, paramedics, critical care units, 4×4 vehicles, and bicycles. Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, Ali Darwish, highlighted that all Eid-related events were organized following risk management guidelines, with no major cases reported. The seamless delivery of emergency services by HMC during the Eid Al Adha holiday period demonstrates the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the community, even during peak periods of demand.
Overall, the successful handling of emergency cases by HMC during the Eid Al Adha holiday period reflects the organization’s dedication to public health and safety. The efficient operation of emergency services at Hamad General Hospital and the Paediatric Emergency Centers, coupled with the responsiveness of the Ambulance Service, ensured that patients received timely and appropriate care. Dr. Eltayeb’s advice to the public on healthy eating habits and child safety further underscores HMC’s commitment to promoting wellness and preventing accidents during festive occasions. By adhering to risk management guidelines and maintaining a high level of preparedness, HMC continues to be a reliable healthcare provider in Qatar.
