All hands-on deck! Many eminent citizens in Oman, including businessmen and entrepreneurs, are coming out with new methods and innovative ideas to support the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the authorities have taken unprecedented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the country, altruistic entrepreneurs and organizations like AdLife Hospital are making it a priority to join hands with the Ministry of Health for making available efficient healthcare services.
Among these stalwarts is Dr. Thomas Alexander, Chief Executive Director of Al Adrak, Trading and Contracting, as he makes a humble beginning to express solidarity in treating Covid-19 patients in the country today. He stands out in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by offering his gratitude, handing over his newly built 68-bedded ‘AdLife Hospital’ in Amerat to the Ministry of Health as a quarantine facility.
Speaking with FACES, Dr. Thomas Alexander, Chief Executive Director explains, “We were prepared to inaugurate our hospital in March but that’s when the outbreak occurred. Due to this pandemic crisis, we decided to join hands with the Ministry of Health by providing our hospital facilities to treat the COVID-19 patients and to support the Government. Our hospital doctors and nurses are working 24*7 to treat patients and keep them calm, and themselves safe and well.”
The hospital currently has 10 specialists in the departments of Cardiology, Gynaecology, Pathology, Internal Medicine, GP, Dental, Paediatric, General Surgeon, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology.
“Apart from our hospital staff, we have about 100 volunteers from different multidisciplinary healthcare professionals that have today come forward to help the patients. In courtesy of our association with the Oman Medical Association (OMA), volunteers are also offering counselling programs for free, including the treatment. It makes me happy that they have stepped forward out of sheer selflessness in their hearts to serve against a common cause as we fight this pandemic together.”
The hospital has dedicated 2 units for COVID-19 patients as well as the ER department which is to be utilized for triage and admission of patients. The hospital is also providing some much-needed equipment in the In-Patient Department which is fully set-up according to the policies and protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health, Oman.
“We have offered our full-fledged facilities to treat patients who have been tested positive for COVID-19. Alongside routine tests, we are also offering fully operational 68 IP beds which include 4-bed emergency, 3-ICU beds, pharmacy and 24×7 ambulance services dedicated to the COVID patients. It is the sincerest hope that our support will serve the cause of the country in these tough times and there is nothing more satisfying than our patients’ quick recovery, adds Dr. Thomas.”
For the safety of patients and healthcare workers, Adlife Hospital is following the best practices and measures provided by the Ministry of Health Infection Department. “To adhere to the MoH compliance, we have a volunteer from the department who ensures that each and every staff member is well-informed and updated about the infection control practices specific for Covid-19 treatments,” Dr. Thomas says. Besides measures and policies for the safety of health workers during COVID-19, Dr Thomas also urges the public to not panic and stay home. He recommends, “Maintain hygiene not just with your hands, but also keep your home and mobile phones clean. Comply with the instructions and guidelines stated by the Health Ministry and do wear a face mask when in public.”
Dr. Thomas is optimistic about the prevention of the disease and believes that vaccination for this coronavirus will come up soon. He states, “This outbreak has changed a lot of aspects in our lives and made us realize the importance of being healthy and maintaining good hygiene. However, we can combat this situation by staying positive and social distancing.”