Ministry of Health and Sports organized a videoconference yesterday to discuss control and treatment of COVID-19 in Yangon Region.
Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe talked about practical approach to control the pandemic, increasing number of confirmed cases and effective investigation in contact tracing after using test machines Cobas 6800, RT PRC and GeneXpert, as well as Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test Kits, distribution of flowcharts at the quarantine centres to monitor the patients with chronic diseases in the stay at home areas, sharing standard treatments to the health workers and expansion of High Dependency Units and Intensive Care Units at the hospitals.
Deputy Director-General Dr Tun Myint from the Public Health and Medical Services Department in Yangon Region discussed the importance of self-reporting by the persons with suspected symptoms in containment measures, the use of Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test Kits, and quarantine facilities at the specific area and establishment of fever clinics.
Professor Dr Zaw Than Tun from the Department of Medical Research discussed preparations for wards and ICUs at Yangon General Hospital, the need of portable X-ray equipment and computer programme for the patients.
Rector Professor Dr Zaw Wai Soe from the University of Medicine (1) briefed on preparations at the hospitals and medical centres in Yangon, limit of human resources in health sector, whether it is necessary to establish COVID-19 treatment centres or not, working with volunteers for the data in quarantined areas and training courses on using ventilators and PPE suits.
Deputy Director-General (Treatment) Dr Thida Hla reported on the number of inpatients at the COVID-19 treatment centres and hospitals, hiring security personnel from private companies for Thingangyun People’s Hospital and Insein People’s Hospital in Yangon and distribution of mobile tablets in the measures.
Deputy Director-General (Lab) Professor Dr Htay Htay Tin and Deputy Director-General (Epidemiology) Dr Tun Tin discussed preparation for using Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test Kits, tender invitation for procurement of 3 units of RT PCR machines, more needs for Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test Kits in Yangon, Rakhine and Bago.
Deputy Minister Dr Mya Lay Sein said that portable X-ray machines will be supplied to Yangon General Hospital, and Permanent Secretary Professor Dr Thet Khaing Win discussed the plan for sufficient supply of Remdesivir medicines and other medical supplies.
The Union Minister coordinated the discussions and gave suggestions on information sharing and effective coordination to overcome the pandemic.—MNA
(Translated by Aung Khin)
