The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has launched the Fast-Track Service for all age groups of persons with disabilities for facilitating and accelerating access to medical counselling and treatment services with the support of Hayyak team and medical staff at the health centres.A policy for persons with disabilities has also been developed for implementation in all health centres.Dr Sadriya al- Kohji, assistant director, Medicine for Child & Adolescent Health at PHCC and the national lead for Healthy Children and Adolescent Health has affirmed that engaging persons with special needs in a cross-productive environment in the community is an indispensable step at all levels.Dr al-Kohji highlighted that one of PHCC’s most important initiatives is the provision of health services in a disability-friendly environment in health centres, where sensory-friendly spaces have been developed in outpatient waiting areas and dental clinics which are set up with equipment and toys for children and adolescents with disabilities.As part of the fast-track service, to improve and facilitate access to PHCC services, the employees received training on how to communicate and deal with persons with visual impairment.Employees from PHCC and Hamad Medical Corporation have also been trained in sign language to empower medical and administrative staff to better communicate and effectively deal with persons with hearing impairment.PHCC also provides the early screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as part of the well-baby programme, carried out at the age of 18 months and 30 months.The ASD examination is conducted during the well-baby clinics’ visits according to the national screening schedule for children, to detect ASD earlier and make the necessary referrals for specialised care.Dr al-Kohji also shed light on the Early Bird programme, a training programme for parents of ASD children, to support and develop their relationship with the autistic child and to facilitate communication between them.
December 03, 2023 | 10:58 PM