The Role of Government Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a crucial and dynamic response was orchestrated by Qatar’s government. To effectively manage the escalating cases, a general hospital was transformed into a dedicated COVID-19 facility. This transformation was testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and meticulous adherence to international guidelines, primarily those set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Methods

The transformation involved deploying thermal scanners, activating the System-Wide Incident Command Centre (SWICC), optimizing quarantine facilities, managing Personal Protective Equipment supply, and introducing advanced disinfection technologies, overseen by engineers ensuring secure infrastructure modifications.

Results

The transformed hospital became a fully operational COVID-19 treatment center, aided by the distribution of 500 portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, establishment of seven field hospitals, and commissioning of two large swabbing centres. Within the facility, notable additions included 211 bed units with oxygen inlets, 21 dialysis water inlets and drains, over 200 acrylic screen protectors, and the setup of five swabbing stations and intubation boxes. Collaboration with the Qatar Scientific Club led to the introduction of two Ultraviolet light disinfection machines. Additionally, 20 Powered Air Purifying Respirators significantly enhanced healthcare workers' safety.

Conclusion

The comprehensive strategy, and strict infection prevention measures, significantly improved patient care and healthcare workers’ safety during the COVID-19 response. These initiatives, such as portable HEPA filters and infrastructure enhancements, strengthened the healthcare system's response to rising cases and serve as a scalable model for global health crisis management. According to WHO guidance2, these collective efforts and adherence to protocols are crucial in minimizing transmission risks in medical facilities, underlining the importance of proactive strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing healthcare crises for global public health.