Comprehensive infection control at health centres

TDT | Manama

An infection control unit from the Ministry of Health has been spearheading the implementation of a series of internationally approved plans and preventive measures at health centers across the Kingdom, in light of national efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Among these are sterilisation operations which are being carried out by trained and qualified individuals to cover the entire facility on a daily basis—before, during and after working hours. These comprehensive procedures include sterilising the centre with appropriate disinfectants in order to exterminate all types of harmful microbes, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, including COVID-19.

They are conducted with the supervision of existing infection control professionals. All health centers are provided with necessary instructions, including scientific and practical advice on the use of various types of disinfectants with the required concentration of chemicals.

In addition, steriliser spraying machines have been provided at all health centers and cleaners have been trained to use them, in addition to being provided with other required disinfection tools. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to all health centre employees, including appropriate overalls, gloves, face guards, glasses, shoe covers and headgear.

These help reduce the risk of any transmission of diseases to preserve the health and safety of workers. Nurses who receive patients are ensured to be wearing all necessary PPEs. There is also a mechanism to help prevent overcrowding of patients at health centers, such as forbidding any unnecessary accompanying individuals during visits, and the launch of the telemedicine service and the online appointment booking service, among others.

In order to provide further infection prevention and control, a number of hand sanitisers have also been placed in all areas of the health centre for the use of the public. The ministry noted that health centers have applied these and many other preventive measures to contribute to maintaining the health and safety of all.