Ukraine’s healthcare system is ready for a new covid-19 wave - Kuzin
Ukraine's healthcare system is ready to respond to the challenge of a new COVID-19 wave, caused by the Delta coronavirus strain.
Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, Ihor Kuzin, stated this, the press service of the Ministry of Health reports.
The number of infection cases of the Delta coronavirus strain in Ukraine is gradually increasing: 147 cases were confirmed on August 5, and 520 on August 20. However, this trend shouldn't come as a surprise to Ukraine. During the summer, the health care system on every level, from representatives of the Ministry of Health to the heads of medical institutions together with international and national partners, were preparing for potential challenges of a new coronavirus wave," Kuzin said.
He noted that in Ukraine, 256 hospitals had been classified and trained to provide specialized care for COVID-19. They are distributed to institutions of different response waves. According to him, the capacity is almost 39 thousand beds, of which 96% are supplied with oxygen. In addition, 14,790 oxygen concentrators, 161 computed tomography devices, and 148 X-ray machines were purchased and received in the regions.
Also on August 22-23, Ukraine received humanitarian aid from Poland: oxygen concentrators, heart monitors, pulse oximeters, medical gloves, surgical masks, etc. This stockpile will strengthen the existing reserve of equipment and personal protective equipment formed in support hospitals.
"The laboratory network is equipped with all consumables for coronavirus detection. A stockpile of tests for more than 2 million tests and 2.3 million rapid tests for antigen have been formed nationwide. Reagents are expected to be delivered in September for 4 million PCR tests and 2.8 million rapid antigen testing. The contact tracking system has also been updated, making it much more efficient," Kuzin said.
He noted that in the fourth quarter of this year, the sequencing of laboratory samples would be launched in the reference laboratory of the State Institution "Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine." The Delta strain can be diagnosed by PCR at the regional and national levels. Kuzin also added that active work was underway on adapted routes, which, if necessary, would allow delivering patients to the nearest hospitals in neighboring regions clearly and most shortly.
The health care system is now ready to respond to the new wave of COVID-19 caused by the Delta coronavirus strain. But remember that the usual preventative measures (wearing masks, washing hands, using antiseptics, keeping your distance) can protect you and your relatives from COVID-19 infection, and vaccination will protect you from a serious illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19," the chief state sanitary doctor said.
