Doha, October 18 (QNA) - The FIFA World Cup is known to attract a huge number of Visitors, fans, spectators, and media persons. To ensure smooth execution of services and dedicated healthcare support in the country, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has strengthened its telemedicine services.

On this occasion, the Executive Director of Operation Dr. Samya Abdullah Explained:

"To manage challenges arising due to the FIFA World Cup 2022, while ensuring minimal impact on patient access to healthcare and continuity of care, the PHCC shall significantly increase the usage of virtual and e-services for consultations. Given the success of the resilience plan applied during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a split of 70% virtual to 30% face to face consultations will be effective from November 1, 2022".

E-services, virtual or online sessions, will form a major part of consultations to facilitate reduction in footfall at health centers, as well as ensure accessibility to services for residents and citizens alike.

To access uninterrupted services, patients are requested to be aware of the following changes from 1st November 2022 to 22nd December 2022: All new and follow-up appointments will be booked as Virtual Consultations unless the Physician requires a face-to-face meeting.

PHCC shall convert all pre-booked appointments to Virtual Consultations and send a notification to the patients.

Patients need to book/ arrange all medication refills and home delivery via phone.

Patients can avail of electronic sick leave certificates via E-Jaza Patients are requested to make use of the E-services available on the Naraakom mobile application and PHCC website for services such as Request Appointments, Apply for Health Card, Add Dependent, Change Family Physician, Change Health Center and Renew Health Card.

In-person emergency and walk-in services shall also remain available for Family Medicine, paediatric, dental procedures, ENT, dermatology, cancer screenings and ophthalmology.

Patients can continue to book consultations/ appointments through the Community Call Centre on 16000. The COVID-19 appointment booking hotline will operate only on 40277077.

(QNA)