HMC to Open Regions First Communicable Disease Center

Doha, May 14 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is preparing to open the regions first hospital dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious diseases. The 65-bed purpose-built Communicable Disease Center (CDC) is located within the Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City campus and will also house a travel medicine clinic where travelers can have their pre-travel vaccinations and medical advice, said HMC in a statement today. This new development is included in HMCs expansion plans to provide faster access to high quality, specialized care. It is also part of a government-wide program which will see seven new major hospitals open in Qatar over the next 18 months, creating more than 1100 new hospital beds between now and the end of December 2017. HMC Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Head of Infectious Diseases Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal said the new CDC will focus primarily on the management of infectious diseases of public health importance including tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis and leprosy. In addition, it will provide care to patients with infections that need prolonged treatment such as osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone or bone marrow, usually due to infection). "The CDC is the first facility of its kind in the region and will set the standard for the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious diseases as well as research into these conditions," said Dr. Al Khal. "The Center will not only play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of patients suffering from infectious diseases in Qatar but will also provide leadership in education and preventative measures, while supporting the public health mission of HMC." Senior Consultant of Infectious Diseases Dr. Muna Al Maslamani said: "Where needed, the center would also play a role in the identification, treatment and management of other highly infectious illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), H1N1, SARS and Ebola in times of epidemics and pandemics which makes it unique in the region." "As the designated facility for dealing with infectious diseases, another focus of the CDC will be initiating preventative measures in identifying outbreaks, managing them and strengthening Qatars response to health threats they may pose to the country," Dr. Al Maslamani said. According to HMC's statement, The CDC will work alongside the MoPH, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatars Academic Health System partners and private healthcare organizations to provide trusted guidance, disease tracking and support to ensure Qatar can respond quickly and effectively to health threats emanating from infectious diseases. In addition to the comprehensive inpatient services for infectious disease patients who need hospitalization, the facility also houses outpatient clinics including pre-marital counseling and education for those with blood-borne pathogens. It will also operate a specialized travel medicine outpatient clinic where people can go for their vaccinations and health advice before traveling. It will also have a pharmacy, radiology facilities and the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, which diagnosis, tracks and monitors the illness. The CDC will be the first hospital in the new Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City campus to open, with a further three the Womens Wellness and Research Center, the Ambulatory Care Center and the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute all scheduled to open in the coming months. (END)