President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Head of the National Taskforce to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19), stressed Bahrain’s ongoing implementation of its strategic preemptive plans to handle COVID-19 outbreak. He pointed out continuous provision of all medical and infrastructure resources to boost capability of the health sector in the exceptional circumstances undergone by the world. He praised cooperation between all parties to curb the spread of the virus, stressing the efforts spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
The SCH President was speaking during an inspection visit to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the field hospital in Sitra, in the presence of Royal Medical Services Commandant Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. He got informed about medical readiness within the framework of the efforts made to combat coronavirus.
The SCH President asserted that protecting the health and safety of all requires boosting precautionary measures, in line with the directives of the coordination committee chaired by HRH the Crown Prince.
On his part, the Royal Medical Services Commandant stressed that the ICU is part of continuous efforts to provide health services for citizens and residents according to the best medical standards, which will contribute to fighting COVID-19. He added the unit was equipped as part of the taskforce’s preparations to provide intensive for serious COVID-19 cases. He pointed out that a comprehensive system of ICUs across Bahrain aims to cope with any potential future developments.
Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa noted that the ICU was set up on an area of 2400 sqm and was equipped in a record time of 14 days. He added the unit has a capacity of 152 beds outfitted with 152 ventilators. It will be run by a specialised medical team of 55 doctors and 250 male and female nurses. He also pointed out that the unit has a state-of-the-art medical lab, which is considered a precedent in a field hospital.
The Royal Medical Services Commandant affirmed that the preemptive measures being taken are part of the plans which are continuously updates according to the developments related to the virus. He stressed that the well-studied steps have brought about success in handling the virus. He thanked the first defence line, the medical and nursing crews, who are working around the clock to carry out the plans competently.
