DOHA: With a rapid increase in the number of people using primary healthcare services, a major expansion in the facilities is on the anvil in the Western region of the country that comprises a large geographical area.
The new appointment system through the Wayyak telephone service has helped organise the functioning of health centres and improve performance.
However, about 30% of the patients who have appointments fail to turn up, said Dr Hiyam Ali Al Sada, director of the Western Region at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).
Five new health centers will be set up in the region in the next few years which will add to the existing seven centers, Al Sada told Qatar News Agency (QNA).
Of these, two new health centres will open in Al Wajbah and Muaither by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
A new health center in Al Waab will also open next year while new health centers are planned in Bani Hajar and Ain Khalid in future.
Al Rayyan health centre, one of the biggest in the region will be expanded this year because of the large turnout, Dr Al Sada added.
Al Rayyan health centre receives an average 36,000 visitors per month, while Mesaimeer and Abu Backer Siddiq health centre see an average 26,000 visitors.
Al Nakhla and Sheehania health centres receive an average 15,000 visitors.
Health centres in less populated areas like Karana and Jameelia receive relatively less number of visitors.
Of the total patients, about 20 percent are referred to the Hamad General Hospital, especially cases needing surgery and critical care.
The E-file system has helped improve the services at health centres.
It will be implemented in Abu Backer and Mesaimeer health centres in July.
Specialized clinics has been shifted from the old building to the new one as part of expansion at Abubacker Siddiq health centre and some new services have been added like school health services, quit smoking clinic, dermatology, minor surgery and physiotherapy.
The extended timing has already been implemented in Abu Nakhla, Sheehnaia and Mesaimeer health centres and it will be enforced in Al Rayyan and Abu backer Siddiq health centres in April and later in the remaining health centres.
Vaccination against infection diseases and pre-travel vaccination are available in all heath centres in the region, not only in Mesaimeer, said Dr Al Sada.
The Peninsula
