The primary care level will be strengthened to detect those who may be infected with COVID-19 earlier and, thus, improve epidemiological control actions to tackle the second wave of the pandemic,
Health Minister Oscar Ugarte reported on Sunday.
"We have to restore the consultation services at the primary care level, at outpatient care centers and health posts, and —to do so— we need more health personnel and molecular tests so as to obtain a precise diagnosis, to know who is sick and who is not. We need to make this diagnosis to guarantee the epidemiological control," he said in remarks to RPP radio and TV station.
The high-ranking official noted that those who are diagnosed with the infection will not be sent home to self-quarantine, given the high risk of infecting their family members.
In search of oxygen
In addition, the Minsa head affirmed that the supply of medical oxygen will be increased at all medical centers, where required, and the in-patient bed capacity will be further increased to treat severe COVID-19 patients.
"It is clear that we need more oxygen plants. The private market has been described as insufficient to meet the demand for public and private centers," Ugarte explained.
"The private sector said we can no longer (…). The public sector has intervened, and a decree is in force since the end of May last year —which declared oxygen a public good— and we need to strengthen it," he added.
(END) KGR/RMB
Published: 2/14/2021