*PHCC allays concerns; urges people not to delay seeking medical advice
*Safety measures include new model for scheduling appointments
*Limiting number of visitors at health centres at any given time
*Regular cleaning and sterilisation of all areas of health centres
*Signage on floors at health centres to ensure social distancing norms
*Safety measures include new model for scheduling appointments
*Limiting number of visitors at health centres at any given time
*Regular cleaning and sterilisation of all areas of health centres
*Signage on floors at health centres to ensure social distancing norms
The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has confirmed that it is taking all preventive measures to guarantee the safety of its health centres and avoid the risks of transmission of the virus (Covid-19).
The PHCC said that it had recently noticed a decrease in the number of visitors who, the corporation believes, are late in seeking advice and healthcare as a result of their concerns related to the spread of Covid-19.
The PHCC has reassured all visitors that it has worked to tighten its strict measures to prevent the spread of the disease in all of its 27 health centres across the country.
These integrated measures aim to ensure the maintenance of the safety of health facilities so that people have access to healthcare services with high reliability.
The measures taken by the PHCC include a new model for scheduling personal appointments, and procedures aimed at ensuring an optimum number of patients visiting the health centres at the same time, as visits to the centres are prohibited in order to reduce the number of people in clinics at any given time, thus reducing the risk of infection spread among patients, visitors and staff at the centres.
Prior to entering the PHCC facilities, patients and visitors are examined to check for symptoms of fever, cough and breathing difficulties, and their temperature is measured remotely using infrared thermometers, and all visitors are required to wear masks and use hand sanitiser that is provided at the entrances, and in various locations around the buildings.
At all health centres the floors are marked with lines and signs that have been redesigned to enhance the measures of social distancing, strict sterilisation procedures have been adopted throughout the PHCC facilities and within the shared spaces, including waiting rooms, lobbies, and toilets. These places are regularly cleaned and sterilised using sterile spray. Examination rooms are also cleaned and sterilised after patient visits for consultation or medical treatment.
Patients suspected of Covid-19 disease are isolated inside the facilities in designated areas, while remaining under constant medical supervision during their stay that lasts for the minimum period permitted by safety measures.
The PHCC stressed the need for community members to ensure access to healthcare when they need it without any delay associated with the spread of the pandemic, as delays in accessing healthcare services can endanger their health in the long run.
The PHCC stressed that it is making unremitting efforts to ensure that the risks of transmission are avoided, and at the same time, reassuring visitors to allay their concerns and focus on their long-term health safety in the first place.
