Andina

Peru: Minsa provides more mechanical ventilators to Lambayeque region

09:55 | Chiclayo (Lambayeque region), May. 22.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has delivered six mechanical ventilators to the northern region of Lambayeque to implement intensive care unit (ICU) beds, thus expanding various regions' response capacity to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Health Minister Victor Zamora, the ventilators —two new and four repaired— were donated by the People's Republic of China. 

Additionally, he announced plans to set up 41 additional ICU beds in said region in the next five weeks, thus doubling the capacity for critically ill patients.

"Likewise, almost 400 hospital beds will be added. This is all part of the expansion plan that we have been carrying out. Efforts continue and the goal is to reach the 2,000 ICU beds announced by President Martin Vizcarra," Zamora expressed.

As stated by the Cabinet member, the 20 mechanical ventilators acquired by the State are being distributed to Piura, Loreto, and Huanuco regions too, and a new batch from the same supplier will arrive by the end of the month, which will be added to those donated by China.

Invisible and deadly enemy

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These viruses can be transmitted between animals and people.

The novel coronavirus (covid-19) is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. It is transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Covid-19 is also transmitted by close contact with people infected by the virus.

(END) NDP/JOT/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/22/2020