‘A pioneering nation’ - Field Intensive Care Unit at Military Hospital with 130 beds created in a record seven days

TDT | Manama

Bahrain’s standing as a pioneering nation in the health sector has been further consolidated with the creation of a state-of-the-art field Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Bahrain Defence Force (BFC) Hospital in Riffa.

This was claimed yesterday by Supreme Council of Health (SCH) president Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who made an inspection visit to the new facility in the presence of Royal Medical Services Commander Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed, who is also the National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 head, said that the field intensive care unit was put together in a record time of seven days and it features 130 beds for the treatment of critical cases infected with COVID-19. He added that the unit is outfitted with the best equipment, according to the highest global standards. The SCH president was briefed on the various features of the unit, which will be operated by the military hospital.

The unit is part of the ongoing preparations of the National Taskforce to provide the needed facilities and procedures to deal with infected cases. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed also pointed out that the Kingdom will provide 500 beds nationwide to give the needed treatment when required. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed stressed resolve in going ahead with all preemptive measures to boost the Kingdom’s efforts in combatting the coronavirus (COVID-19), which he affirmed are being carried out rapidly.

He lauded the unflinching support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and extended thanks to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, for their continuous follow-up on the efforts made by the taskforce to boost the health and safety of all. The SCH president expressed his happiness about the creation of the intensive care unit, which stands witness to the kingdom’s efforts in combatting the coronavirus, which as a pandemic requires urgent action.

He voiced determination to face all challenges, in line with the directives of HRH the Crown Prince, to ensure the safety of all people in Bahrain. He reiterated that efforts are being exerted to the maximum to ensure the safety of all people in Bahrain and prevent the further spread of the virus. On his part, Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid revealed that the field intensive care unit in Sitra is equipped with 100 beds and will be outfitted with the best equipment to provide optimum services when needed.