The number of sick children seen at the various emergency departments over the past few days has increased considerably, Dr Mohamed al-Ameri, director of Paediatric Emergency at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), told local Arabic daily Arrayah.

Most of these cases were due to viral infections with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, shortness of breath and high temperature. He said that the number of sick children received by the emergency departments is about 2,500. Al Sadd Paediatric Emergency receives 1,100 cases daily, followed by Al Rayyan (550), Al Wakra (400), Al Matar (250) and Al Daayen (180).

There are also some patients suffering from bronchitis, stomach ache and other ailments due to the changing weather conditions. Dr al-Ameri stressed that more than 50% of the cases brought to the emergency departments are minor in nature and could be easily treated at the Primary Health Care Corporation health centres.

He noted that parents should be careful not to bring their children to the Paediatric Emergency Departments directly unless it is unavoidable. The public should co-operate with the doctors and nurses so that they could impart the best possible care as soon as possible.

Dr al-Ameri said the Paediatric Emergency Departments have raised their level of readiness for the Eid al-Fitr holidays with doctors and nurses working around the clock in rotation, taking into consideration the expected rush. There are 125 consultants and specialist doctors at the Paediatric Emergency Departments in addition to supporting services such as laboratories, pharmacies and x-ray departments.
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