In an initiative to salute the healthcare professionals and express gratitude for their role in combating the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Qatar, aircraft from Qatari Airforce (Al Zaeem Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al-Attiyah Air Academy) performed an air show yesterday over Hamad General Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital. 
Medical teams at both hospitals stood outside in their white coats while the aircraft flew overhead in formation. The gesture by Al Zaeem Air College depicted the solidarity and gratitude of all of the state’s institutions and departments for the efforts made by the health sector to confront Covid-19 and support the relevant measures taken by the state.       
The medical teams expressed their gratitude towards the initiative which confirms the appreciation of the country’s civil and military institutions to the health system. They also reiterated that they stand together to maintain the safety and health of the community the same way as the military and security sector in Qatar stands to protect the nation’s borders and its interior security. 
Ali Abdullah al-Khater, chair of the Ministry of Public Health’s Healthcare Communications Committee and chief communications officer at HMC, said healthcare workers are risking their own safety, working every day to treat and protect the people and they deserve a hero’s salute. “We are incredibly honoured by this salute from Al Zaeem Air College. I believe we are all in awe of the strength and resilience of those working on the frontline of the Covid-19 response. I know all residents who saw and heard the flypast took a moment to honour the brave men and women who are working so hard to contain the spread of Covid-19 in our country. I thank Al Zaeem Air College for this thoughtful gesture which I believe reminded us all of the important work being undertaken by our healthcare professionals,” said al-Khater.
Dr Yousef al-Maslamani, medical director of Hamad General Hospital, thanked the Armed Forces for their support to the health sector, adding that this nice gesture highlights the vital role that Qatar’s healthcare professionals are playing to serve the country and protect the health and safety of its population. 
He said the air show reflects the spirit of co-operation and solidarity between all institutions and categories in the country and highlights the active role of the great Armed Forces, not only in defending the country and preserving its security, but also in providing reassurance to the nation during this unsettling period. 
Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed, medical director of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital said: “We appreciate this initiative and thank Al Zaeem Air College for supporting Qatar’s institutions in their efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. The initiative highlights the humanitarian role of Qatar’s Armed Forces and their continued support to the community to help it overcome all challenges.”       
Healthcare workers continue to assume their responsibilities with high efficiency during these unprecedented conditions through their dedication to perform their professional and humanitarian role and apply the best healthcare practices. Asma Mousa, assistant executive director of nursing, also expressed her appreciation for this initiative.

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