Though, the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are on decline, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reminded that now more than ever, public must be careful and protect the most vulnerable.
The Ministry has also stressed on the importance of seeking dedicated services and of COVID-19 safety precautions for elderly people and those with chronic illnesses.
Through notifications on different social media platforms, the Ministry and its partners have informed the public about Elderly Daycare Unit and The National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services helpline named ‘Raha.’
Elderly Daycare Unit is open from 7am to 10pm every day at Rumailah Hospital. Its services are open for people above the age of 60 years with medical problems that are not life-threatening but need urgent medical attention.
Rapid assessment and management are done by the specialist geriatric multidisciplinary team in a less busy and age-friendly setting. Public can call the unit on 33253128 or 55193240 to arrange an appointment.
The National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services will provide information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias and memory loss while giving support to help people manage the impact of the condition at the same time.
Helpline (40262222) service is available between 8am and 3pm from Sunday to Thursday.
A multidisciplinary team including geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, psychologist and specialised nurses with multi-lingual skills are assigned to support callers of the helpline.
In continues social media campaigns the Ministry has insisted the safety of elderly and those with chronic illnesses, during the phased lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
“If you are over 65 years of age, especially if you have underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, you can experience more severe symptoms and are more likely to need intensive hospital care if you get the infection,” said the Ministry.
Elderly and those with chronic conditions are also urged to follow the instructions of the Ministry by practicing physical distancing, staying home, avoiding crowds, parks and refraining from touching one another or surfaces.
However the Ministry has said that, “For any life-threatening conditions, chest pain, suspected stroke or difficulty breathing, please dial 999 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.”
“If you have health-related questions regarding COVID-19, please call 16000 or visit www.moph.gov.qa,” it added.
To mention, in May this year, Qatar set up targeted care to protect elderly, most vulnerable during COVID-19
Hamad Medical Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), established a comprehensive plan to help protect the elders, the vulnerable group of society from COVID-19.
Also the World Health Organization has repeated that older adults (60 & above) or people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of catching and developing severe forms of COVID-19. It has also said that they should delay or cancel any travel plans.
“Because you are at a higher risk of serious illness or even death from COVID-19, you should delay or cancel travel plans,” said the WHO in a social media message.
In an unavoidable situation the WHO advised that older people should take all safety precautions while travelling.
