Supreme Health Council Chairman visits Sitra ICU field hospital

Manama, Apr. 30(BNA): The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Head of the National Taskforce to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19), His Excellency Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, visited the new Intensive Care Unit at the Field Hospital located in Sitra on Thursday. The visit was conducted in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Medical Services, Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. During the visit, Dr. Shaikh Mohammed reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to combating COVID-19 by supporting the health sector and its strategic plans, through increasing capacities, securing the needed infrastructure, and acquiring resources. The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, praised the continuous and cooperative efforts exerted by various entities, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed inspected the facility in Sitra, noting the importance of adopting precautionary guidelines and measures aimed at safeguarding the community, as directed by the Government’s Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince. For his part, Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the ICU field hospital in Sitra is part of the Kingdom’s wide-ranging efforts to treat critical active COVID-19 cases, and ensure the delivery of integrated health services to citizens and residents. HE Shaikh Khalid added that further ICU field hospitals will be established and equipped across the Kingdom, ensuring Bahrain is prepared to tackle any future public health developments. Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid explained that the 2,400 sqm Sitra ICU field hospital was built and prepared in a record time of 14 days. The ICU field hospital has been fully equipped with a capacity of 152 beds, 152 respirators, and an on-site medical laboratory, which is considered unprecedented in comparison to global field hospitals. Furthermore, the site will be staffed with a specialized medical team of 55 doctors and 250 nurses. Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid added that the Sitra ICU field hospital is equipped with X-ray machines, mobile dialysis units, an integrated store for medical drugs, all to ensure the provision of high-quality medical services in accordance with international best practice. Professor Shaikh Khalid went on to emphasize that public health measures introduced by the government are continually assessed in line with global COVID-19 developments. He concluded by commending the efforts of the Kingdom’s medical workforce, noting that they are the first line of defense against COVID-19, working day and night to support the needs of the Kingdom’s healthcare system.