The Pediatric Emergency Centers (PEC) at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) in Doha, Qatar, saw a significant increase in visits in May, with 79,422 visits recorded. These visits were spread out across the main PEC in Al Saad and other centers in various areas. The number of visits in May was over 14,500 more than the previous month, indicating a rise in the need for pediatric emergency services. Dr. Mohammed Al Amri, Chairman of Pediatrics and Director of PECs at HMC, highlighted that viral illnesses and respiratory infections are common among young patients, often contracted in school or public settings like malls and restaurants.
Children under 14 years old with non-life-threatening emergencies are attended to at the PECs, where they receive diagnostic and therapeutic services catering specifically to pediatric emergencies. To provide immediate medical guidance and information to parents unsure about their child’s health, HMC operates a specialized Pediatric Emergency Center Hotline managed by qualified nurses. Adolescents aged 14 to 18 are seen at the HMC Emergency Department and the Sidra Medicine Pediatric Emergency Department for their medical needs. Through these specialized services, HMC aims to provide timely and efficient care to children and adolescents in need of emergency medical attention.
The HMC activity report for May also highlighted the performance of various hospitals and services within the corporation. Emergency Departments at HMC hospitals recorded 55,972 visits, while the Ambulance Service received 35,936 calls in May. Additionally, the LifeFlight air ambulances were activated 171 times during the month. Outpatient visits to HMC hospitals totaled 323,188, with 35,752 inpatient admissions and 2,425 childbirths recorded. The Medication Home Delivery Service received 5,432 calls, the Nesma’ak helpline registered 154,886 calls, and the mental health helpline received 1,315 calls, indicating a diverse range of services offered by HMC to cater to various medical needs.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that 11,511 patients visited hospitals for dialysis services, 4,874 medical reports were processed, and a significant 2,231,021 laboratory tests were conducted in May. This data showcases the extensive range of medical services and treatments provided by HMC to cater to the healthcare needs of the population in Qatar. With a focus on providing quality emergency care, consultation services, and specialized medical treatments, HMC remains committed to ensuring the well-being and health of patients in the region. The corporation’s comprehensive approach towards healthcare encompasses various aspects of medical services, from emergency care to specialized treatments, showcasing its dedication to providing top-notch medical care to the community.