Provinces expected to see hike in Covid-19 cases, says health
AS the Covid-19 outbreak in Honiara starting to show signs of slowing down, provinces are expecting surge in Covid-19 patients.
Minister for Health and Medical Service (MHMS), Dr Culwick Togamana said, the virus is now transmitted to our rural areas where 70 to 80 percent of our population resides.
Therefore, the country is expected to detect more Covid-19 cases in the provinces.
“The virus is now transmitted to our rural areas where 70 to 80 percent of our population resides, therefore we are expecting surge in Covid-19 patients to our provincial hospitals, area health centers and nurse aid post,” he said.
He said now the Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is boosting Provincial Health Centres with medical supplies in response to covid-19.
Dr Togamana added, supplies including oxygen, PPEs, equipment and pharmaceuticals have been deployed to level 2 medical stores for distribution to the various health service delivery points including provincial hospitals, clinics, area health centers and nurse aid posts.
He said many of these have been distributed in the past weeks and are reaching their designated health facilities.
“Additional trainings were conducted last week and will continue this week for health workers in Honiara and the provinces in the management of Covid-19 patients across various levels from moderate, severe to critical cases.
“Trainings also include COVID management at community level to manage the most vulnerable and at-risk population groups such as elderlies and those with comorbidities and those with long COVID syndrome after being discharged from health facilities.
“Creating additional and dedicated beds and space for COVID-19 sick patients at our health facilities serving close to communities will also be vamped up in the coming days,” Dr Togamana said.
By FOLLET JOHN
Newsroom, Honiara
