Healthcare Sector: Union Minister Inspects Hospitals in Bago Region

Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win visited the Pyu Township Public Hospital in Bago Region to provide the necessary facilities for the systematic preparation of the Specialized Treatment Unit for COVID-19 patients and the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit.

During the meeting with health workers, the Union minister said COVID-19 third wave is under control to some extent and preparations for the next wave should be made on the experience gained. Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) equipment has been set up in border towns such as Muse, Kengtung, Lashio, Myawaddy and plans are underway to set up the equipment in Dawei and Kalay.

In case of an abnormal mass outbreak, the COVID-19 Gene Sequencing Screening is being carried out. Regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, more than 17 million people which is 50 per cent of the target group over the age of 18 are estimated to be vaccinated at least once by the end of December 2021.

At present, 16.3 million people have been vaccinated once and the target will soon be achieved, the Union minister said. Of them, 11.5 million have been vaccinated twice and 4.8 million have been vaccinated once. The Union minister coordinated the needs for basic health workers in carrying out the vaccination in villages. The Union Minister also visited the Toungoo Township Public Hospital and inspected the COVID-19 intensive care unit, installation of ventilators, laboratory, X-ray room, operation room, and installation of oxygen plants.

He instructed officials to ensure that there is no shortage of laboratory equipment and reagents, and to separate ICUs for COVID-19 and ordinary patients.

He said the Ministry of Health has arranged to provide a monthly stipend to COVID-19 health workers, food allowance for night shift staff, and allowances for postgraduate students, and efforts are being made to provide risk allowance to radiology/laboratory health workers.

He also instructed officials to arrange oxygen supply and to stock necessary medicines and antibiotics. He also coordinated the presentation of the specialists, nurses and basic health workers and provided honorary cash awards.

The Union minister also visited the Nursing and Midwifery Training School in Toungoo and instructed officials to provide food, accommodation and security for the trainees, to be equipped with modern teaching aid and to do arrangements for the trainees to enter the workplace after completing the training.