Sharjah to open field hospital to treat critically ill Covid-19 patients

The new centre in Al Zahia is expected to be ready next week

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  A group of nurses at a dedicated hospital in Sonapur, Dubai, that has reopened care specifically for moderate to severe Covid-19 patients. The nurses hold up signs to show their support, chat with patients to give them strength while also monitoring and treating those admitted. All pictures courtesy: of Aster DM Healthcare

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  A team of medics gets ready to do their rounds at a 50-bed hospital in Sonapur in Dubai that has been reserved to treat moderate to critical Covid-19 patients

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  Dr Sherbaz Bichu, chief executive of Aster Hospitals and Aster Clinics UAE, said a 50-bed hospital in Dubai’s Sonapur area will ease the pressure on other facilities

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  A team of doctors and nurses inside the ward of a hospital in Sonapur, Dubai that has been converted to treat moderate to severe Covid-19 patients

Sharjah is set to open a field hospital to treat Covid-19 patients, a top police official said.

Brig Gen Abdullah bin Amer, deputy commander-in-chief of Sharjah Police, said the new hospital in Al Zahia is nearing completion and is expected to be ready next week.

“The facility, constructed in co-operation with the Ministry of Health, will be dedicated to treating emergency cases,” he said.

The hospital will be fully equipped to handle critical cases.

“It is equipped with ventilators that comply with highest medical standards and meet international requirements,” Brig Gen bin Amer said.

“A medical team, with help from volunteers and security personnel, will ensure the hospital provides the best medical care.”

He said Emiratis in Sharjah make up a small percentage of Covid-19 patients in the emirate.

“A majority of residents are complying by precautionary measures but there are some negligent individuals who think the disease has begun to fade,” he said.

“They are wrong, and I urge them to adhere to all safety rules and to take the vaccine.”

Failing to abide by social distancing rules and not wearing face masks were the most common Covid-19 offences in Sharjah last year, Brig Gen bin Amer said.

“Fines were introduced as a deterrent to limit the spread of the disease. We have a dedicated team working round the clock," Brig Gen bin Amer said.

"Officers are also raising awareness at labour accommodation and that has helped bring down the number of infections."

The UAE aims to open seven field hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients, the authorities said on Tuesday.

During the country's regular briefing, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector, said a number of field hospitals had already been opened to increase hospital capacity.