On the efforts exerted by the Health Services at Al Dhahirah Governorate against COVID-19, Dr. Salim Musa Al Abri, the Governorate’s Health Director General confirmed that efforts have been made from the beginning to deal with all measures to combat the spread of Corona pandemic (COVID-19), in parallel with the efforts and measures initiated by the Ministry of Health since the emergence of the virus in China at the end of December 2019 then announcing its spread globally in January 2020, where the Ministry adopted a set of measures updated in accordance with the new and accelerating situation of this global epidemic.
The Ministry has a program for epidemiological surveillance of acute and severe respiratory infections to identify the type of viruses in the society that affect the respiratory system, in addition to the development of an epidemiological preparedness plan to deal with suspected cases of coronavirus. The program has achieved and yielded many positive results.
The Director General of Al Dhahira Health Services pointed out to the ministry's efforts in training of the relevant health workers on the guidelines issued and updated by the Ministry regarding methods on dealing with cases. Dr. Al Abri highlighted the readiness of Al-Dhahira wilayats, through the implementation of simulation exercises and follow-up from evaluation teams that prepared extensive programs to ensure the level of readiness of public as well private health sector institutions in dealing with the pandemic.
In addition, the availability of medical supplies and personal protection equipment for health workers have been taken into account such as masks, gloves and personal protective supplies, which have a significant role in reducing infection. Furthermore, Ibri Hospital and primary health care institutions in the Governorate have been provided with the sampling tools and supplies for laboratory testing.
Dr. Salim Al-Abri, Director General of Health Services in Al-Dhahira governorate, explained that the public health emergency plan and the emergency operation were activated around the clock, in addition to the operating hotlines of health institutions as well for home and institutional isolated and community communication. A trained team is undergoing all the related aspects each of its specialty and nature of work. Alternative plans have been further developed to deal with cases if the numbers increase.
The importance of the initial evaluation in the Governorate’s health institutions was stressed, as well following up on them continuously and accepting proposals so to enhance the aspects of readiness, follow-up and monitoring, in addition to increasing the comprehensive health culture among health workers of different categories. Field teams have also been formed to follow up on the home and institutional isolated persons to ensure that they adhere to the procedures and instructions given. All related services for support and psychological counselling for health workers and isolated persons have also been strengthened.
With regard to educational and awareness aspects, the Directorate has carried out numerous awareness campaigns to introduce the virus and its resulting symptoms in addition to infection control approaches, targeting medical and medical assistance personnel, administrators and workers at various public and private health institutions, along with carrying out awareness at schools, colleges and academic institutions at the onset of the virus outbreak.
Awareness teams have also been formed to spread health awareness to different members of the community and residents (in different languages), supported by various awareness videos on the prevention of corona virus infection designed in an understandable manner.
In addition, the Directorate organized visits to various commercial centers and companies and provided medical advice to the public, in addition to installing awareness panels on public streets and broadcasting educational video materials in all health institutions and in a number of public sites with the aim of raising awareness among citizens and residents and correcting misconceptions.
Moreover, the main committee for emergency management and health disasters in the Directorate has been activated with the aim of ensuring that all medical supplies are available in health institutions and that health workers are trained in ways to deal with COVID-19 suspected cases and how to collect samples.
as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus Dr. Salem al-Abri added that the Al Dhahira GDHS has carried out wide campaign to screen expatriates workers at their residences in the various villages of the three governorate’s wilayats Ibri, Yanqul and Dhank,. The campaign saw the participation of public health workers and other supporting health personnel. The campaign witnessed significant cooperation of community awareness and teams, as well bus owners by providing logistical assistance to make the campaign a success.
the Directorate continues to intensify its awareness and educational programs targeting citizens and residents of the Governorate, and is constantly monitoring the readiness of all its public and private health institutions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to following up on the implementation of all necessary measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
At the end, the Director General of Al Dhahira Health thanked the health workers for their efforts and dedication, as well as to citizens and residents of the wilayats for their cooperation and response to all that would reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection.
