Don’t come early

Hamad Town health Centre authorities yesterday refuted rumours allegedly circulated on  social media claiming that the “centre is always opened late.” Denying the rumours, Health ministry said this happens because “some people are coming there before working hours” without looking at the timings.

“Working hours of the centre are from 7 am to 8 pm, Sunday to Thursday,” an official from the Hamad Town health centre said explaining: “it is needless to “come to the health Centre and wait at the doors before” working hours. Social media users claim that the health centre opens late every morning and blame it as the “tardiness of the staff”. 

“There are no delays in opening up the health Centre,” the official said. People not knowing the “official timings” and “coming earlier” were the reasons for the misunderstanding.  The official also rejected claims that “patients were made to wait hours outside the doctors’ office before being called in. 

“These are not true claims.”  There is no need to “wait for hours before they are called.” “There is a system in place that allows a certain time to each patient,” he said adding: “Emergency cases are treated differently and are given priority.” Patients, the official said, also can make an advance appointment by calling or visiting the ministry’s website.

“The Hamad Town Health Centre is committed to providing the best level services to the public. Feedback about the service provided is always welcome.”

Hamad town Centre to operate 24hrs

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said the Hamad Town health centre has been chosen to operate round the clock. The Ministry also decided to operate Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah health centre in Barbar and Hamad town health around the clock. According to ministry sources, the Northern Governorates were chosen to have two additional 24-hour health centres considering its size and the number of people in need of such service. 

The health centres that currently operate 24 hours are Hamad Kanoo Health Center in Riffa, Muharraq Health Center and Engineer Health Center in Isa Town.  “Health centres operating round the clock in Hamad Town will benefit the people there immensely,” said MP Basem AlMalki who represents the constituency. 

The Parliamentarian hailed HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for his constant support and directives to improve the healthcare facilities in the country. 

“This step will help reduce the burden on Salmaniya Medical Complex during the evening hours and will also reduce the rush at the health centre during the morning hours. The decision is great news for the people of Hamad town,” he said.