Qatar residents who are preparing to go on trips or have returned with travel-related illnesses can now visit a new “one stop shop” center for treatment and advice.
The country’s first travel clinic was just opened by Hamad Medical Corp. (HMC) at its new Communicable Disease Center (CDC).
It will provide patients free vaccinations, offer tips to avoiding falling ill while abroad and care for those who come back sick.
The clinic will operate on an appointment basis on Mondays only for now. Travelers can book a slot by calling 40254003 between 7am to 7pm.
Safeguarding against illness
In a statement, the CDC’s Medical Director Dr. Muna Al Maslamani said:
“It is important for travelers to be up to date with their vaccination and have their medical care optimized before they travel, particularly when there is a heightened risk of becoming sick in the country they are visiting.”
HMC did not mention any specific illnesses, but officials have previously said they are taking measures to protect residents against bird flu and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
In the fall, Qatar also launched a vaccination drive for children after experiencing a new outbreak of measles.
The CDC also specializes in illnesses such as Tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, influenza, leprosy and HIV.
CDC
The CDC officially opened in November, and is situated next to the new Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, a QR2.4 billion medical complex in Rumaila (central Doha).
The hospital has 65 single bedrooms, which can be converted into isolation units in the case of serious pandemics.
Each of the rooms has specially designed air filtration and ventilation systems to help patients whose immune systems have been compromised.
The CDC also offers outpatient clinics. Services include pre-marriage counseling and education for people who have infectious diseases.
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