Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has opened a new “Isolation Rooms” unit at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), to be one of the first of its kind in the region. The new medical facility is designed to enhance precautious and preventive processes at the Capital’s airport. The new facility meets the needs of passengers suspected of carrying communicable diseases, while also ensuring the safety of other passengers and the effective management of potential epidemics.
The new facility was opened today during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, Mohamed Nasser Al Otaiba, General Manager of Operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Mohammed Hawas Al Sadeed, Chief Executive Officer Ambulatory Services- SEHA, Eng. Mohammed Hassan Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Facilities and Maintenance at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Mohammed Hareb Al Qemzi, Chief Executive Officer Support Services- SEHA, and Dr. Khaled Al Jabri, Director of Healthcare Licensing and Medical Education in the Department of Health, alongside Humaid Sabir Al Hamli, Director of Air Transport Coordination and Standards at the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Acting Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: ”The health, wellbeing, and comfort of our passengers are among our top priorities at Abu Dhabi Airports. With this new facility we look forward to being able to provide the highest standards of care to those who need it, while also ensuring the health and safety of everyone traveling through AUH.”
Eng. Mohammed Hassan Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Facilities and Maintenance at SEHA, commented: “In line with the direction from Abu Dhabi Government to enhance health services in Abu Dhabi, as well as the overall health of residents, with the support of the Department of Health and in coordination with Abu Dhabi Airports, Seha has designed the new facility and the related infrastructure in accordance with the latest systems internationally. The new facility is located in Terminal 1 and consists of three isolation rooms, an assessment room, a reception, two waiting areas, a security room and additional support rooms.”
“With the airport being the first entry point to the UAE, it is important to ensure its readiness when suspecting any case, by taking all the needed procedures to assess the concerned health case and isolate and treat as required. The Ambulatory Healthcare Services, part of Seha, will be operating the new facility with the ultimate aim to eliminate the risk of infectious disease’ spread into the UAE” added Al Zaabi.
“The development of the isolation room facility at AUH is the result of the airport’s continuous efforts to enhance its capabilities and services, which resulted in the introduction of new facilities in order to ensure the efficient management of communicable diseases and potential epidemics”, added Al Shamisi.
The new facility includes special standalone isolation systems, in line with SEHA and DOH requirements. The isolation rooms have a separate air conditioning system, mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, drainage, exhaust, water supply, fire alarm, and other specialized equipment.