Doha, August 11 (QNA) - The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of more than 65% of the Rumailah Hospital Safety and Security Systems Upgrade Project.
Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the project aims to modernize the hospital's life safety systems, enhance the operational readiness of its facilities, and improve overall operational efficiency, thus, ensuring a safe environment for patients, visitors, and medical and administrative staff while extending the service life of the hospital buildings, said Ashghal in a press release Tuesday. 
It added that the project is designed to upgrade and modernize the hospital's life safety and fire protection systems in compliance with the requirements of Qatar's General Directorate of Civil Defense and international best practices in fire prevention and life safety.
Commenting on this, Project Manager Eng. Ahmed Al Obaidli stated that Ashghal has fulfilled more than 65% of the project and that all works are scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of 2027. 
He noted that upon completion, the project will provide a safer and more sustainable healthcare environment while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of medical services throughout the implementation period.
The project includes upgrading and replacing fire detection and fire alarm systems, firefighting and fire suppression systems, as well as emergency lighting and emergency exit signage, Eng. Al Obaidli said. It also includes architectural works required to enhance fire safety, such as the installation of fire-rated walls and doors and the upgrading of escape staircases, further strengthening the hospital's emergency preparedness.
He added that the project also includes comprehensive structural studies and assessments of Rumailah Hospital buildings to evaluate their structural condition and that based on laboratory testing and detailed engineering studies, structural strengthening and rehabilitation works will be carried out where required, contributing to enhanced safety, improved sustainability, and an extended operational lifespan for the hospital buildings.
As part of Ashghal's commitment to supporting local industry, Eng. Al Obaidli highlighted the Authority's continued efforts to maximize the use of locally manufactured products across its projects, with approximately 62% of the materials used in this project being locally manufactured, therefore, supporting Qatar's economy while increasing local content.
Regarding the technologies used, the Project Manager explained that the project utilizes Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design and construction phases to improve coordination among engineering disciplines and enhance overall project management efficiency. He noted that the use of digital models has reduced Requests for Information (RFIs) by 80%, thanks to improved coordination between project teams and greater design and construction accuracy.
Eng. Al Obaidli further noted that the use of 3D visualization tools within the BIM environment has improved planning and safety management while reducing material waste by 15%. In addition, integrating BIM with Reality Capture technologies has strengthened coordination among project teams and contributed to higher-quality, more efficient project delivery. (QNA)