Abu Dhabi Covid-19 field hospital set up in record 9 days to last 10 years

The 46,500-sqft Covid-19 Al Razeen Field Hospital in Al Wathba, 60km from Abu Dhabi City, was completed in just nine days and can easily be operated for up to 10 years, said top officials who manage the facility.

Khaleej Times got an exclusive tour of the 205-bed facility before it began welcoming patients. More than 50 doctors and 150 nurses of over 25 nationalities will serve patients from industrial areas of Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 pandemic set up this facility as part of an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

'More field hospitals coming'

Dr Partha Banerjee, CEO of Al Mazroui Medical Centre who heads the management of patients at the field hospital, noted 317 experts, including engineers and supervisors, were engaged to finish the project in just nine days.

"Asymptomatic patients may turn severe suddenly. In some serious conditions, blood may come out from the eyes. Things may go out of control in an hour's time. This virus is very serious. The UAE has realised this and spending so much of money for the welfare of all people, mostly expats. This is a proper hospital conceptualised to completion in nine days. This is a world-class facility, which can run from five to 10 years. This facility is an example of the UAE's vision."

Ensuring safe second home

Bidhan Chowdhury, CEO of MediQ Healthcare Group who manages the training of the medical team, said there will be three shifts a day with 15 to 20 doctors serving in each of them. "The authorities want to ensure a safe 'second home' for all expats in this country. We have to create a bonding with all people - we want to have a united effort."

Dr Banerjee and Chowdhury are also looking after the management of quarantine facilities in industrial and nearby areas.

205 beds, world-class facilities

The 205-bed facility is divided into categories on basis of colour - 48 'green' zone ICU beds for critical cases, 52 'blue' zones with oxygen lines and 105 'yellow' zone beds for treatment of patients with mild symptoms.

Each patient has a private space with a bed, AC, internet connection, TV with wireless headphone, single-seater sofa, table, a night lamp and space to pray thereby offering a homely feel. It also has used subtle colour and inspiring messages on walls to keep patients motivated.