Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is encouraging the public to visit emergency departments only for serious medical emergencies that require immediate intervention.
This follows the launch of a joint campaign by the Ministry of Public Health , HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra Medicine and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRC) to raise awareness of emergency and urgent healthcare services in Qatar. The five-week campaign named ‘Where For Your Care?’ aims to help patients make the best choice for their medical care needs and receive the best possible care.
The seven emergency departments and five paediatric emergency centres at HMC operate 24 hours a day and provide emergency care for serious medical cases.
Dr Aftab Mohamed Umar, chair of Emergency Medicine at HMC said that, “The role of the emergency departments at HMC is to deliver immediate medical care for the most seriously injured or sick patients and are specifically staffed and resourced to do so. We are committed to treating all emergency cases, but we do prioritise the needs of those with the most critical conditions first to ensure that the right medical care is provided to the right group of patients.”
To better serve the community and manage healthcare resources efficiently, the ‘Where For Your Care?’ campaign advises the public to make the best choice for their healthcare needs: For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, choking, stroke, difficulty breathing, heart attack or unconsciousness, call 999 immediately for an ambulance.
For non-life-threatening emergencies such as a significant deep cut, broken bone, abdominal pain, allergic reaction that does not restrict the airway or significant burn, immediately make your own way, if possible, to the nearest emergency department.
For a non-emergency condition that cannot wait for an appointment at a health centre such as a sprain, fever, eye/nose/throat complaint, mild respiratory issue or minor burn, please visit a PHCC or QRC urgent care centre that is accessible 24/7.
For mental health support, please call 16000, Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 6pm. For support with these times that cannot wait, please visit any emergency department.
For a sick leave certificate or prescription, patients can contact HMC’s Urgent Consultation Service by calling 16000 Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 3pm.
The partners of this campaign remain dedicated to the healthcare needs of the community of Qatar and will continue to provide exceptional medical care to all patients.
By following the information provided by the campaign, the public can help ensure that emergency services are available for those who need them most.
Dr Aftab Mohamed Umar
