Covid-19: Field hospital for treatment of patients opens in Oman

Muscat: A field hospital, operated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), has been opened on Monday morning to treat Covid-19 patients. At the opening of the 312-bed hospital, the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al Saidi said, "The hospital was completed in a record period of less than 2 months. I do not think this has ever been done in the history of the Sultanate."

The minister thanked His Majesty, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik for this support to the health sector and also thanked all workers for their contributions. On the spread of the pandemic, he said, "Unfortunately, the pandemic continues. This hospital will contribute to reducing pressure on other hospitals as they reach full capacity."

He also stressed on the importance of preventive measures. "How long this pandemic continues to bleed us depends on everyone's commitment to preventive measures," he stressed. "Yesterday we exceeded 100,00 cases and 45 deaths were recorded in just three days. Please preserve your health and the health of your relatives." The MoH is also in contact with many companies for a possible vaccine but there is no specific date so far to being manufactured commercially, he pointed out.

"The Sultanate will not request for any vaccine except after it has been approved, and its safety is assured," Al Saidi confirmed.

"As of yesterday, we have 210 cases in the ICU, this is the highest in the history of the Sultanate and for one disease only. There is a discussion to add an intensive care unit to the field hospital if necessary, and we hope that we will not have to."