Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe held a video conference with state/regional authorities concerning COVID-19 on 18 April.
In his address to the meeting, the Union Minister said this meeting will analyze and review processes related to the protection, containment and treatment of COVID-19 to uncover what is effective and what needs to be strengthened.
He said the health ministry had prepared for protection and containment of COVID-19 since 4-1-2020 and have constantly revised their strategies in line with the changes in the virus’ infection pattern.
The Union Minister said his ministry has designed and implemented guidelines, rules, regulations and virus containment action plans during the earlier part of the year. He said the ministry has closely monitored and reviewed the epidemiological situation and will revise strategies if necessary and will prioritize by state/region as seen fit.
He said this will reduce expenditure and ensure effectiveness. He said the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients and contact tracing with positive cases is the first priority. He said cooperation from the public and civil society organizations is paramount in contact tracing.
The Union Minister urged meeting attendees to openly discuss completed, ongoing and future processes and the challenges and difficulties faced in implementation. He said they scientifically calculate the usage rate of available medical supplies and equipment, personal protective equipment and order additional supplies when necessary.
The Union Minister said the cooperation of many organizations in practical containment of the virus is good but it is important to systematically coordinate with them and to share relevant information between all key players.
The Union Minister said it is important to prepare for managing monitoring and quarantining of Myanmar nationals returning from abroad and the number of lab specimens acquired from quarantine locations have increased. He said research is increased to strengthen and improve public health and treatment.
The Union Minister his ministry does not leave out any information related to COVID-19 and disseminates it to the public in a timely and transparent manner. He said the public must be armed with genuine information to prevent the spread of the virus or infection from it and to place greater emphasis on protection processes.
The meeting then commenced with the Deputy Minister, medical personnel and COVID-19 related committees discussing their areas of implementation, difficulties faced and future processes related to their respective state or region. —MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
