Andina

Peru strengthens delivery of medical supplies, safety equipment to handle COVID-19 cases

11:33 | Lima, Mar. 25

Health Minister Victor Zamora on Wednesday affirmed that the Peruvian Government is intensifying the delivery of medical supplies and safety equipment necessary to deal with coronavirus cases.

"In compliance with our commitment to care for our health professionals, we continue to intensify the delivery of medical supplies and safety equipment to deal with COVID-19 cases throughout the country," he posted on Twitter. 


Additionally, personnel of the National Health Institute (INS) gathered at the National Stadium esplanade to go on a journey to different corners of Lima in order to take samples from suspected COVID-19 cases.

Molecular testing

In previous statements, Minister Zamora announced that molecular tests —which are more specific and reliable when it comes to detecting coronavirus (COVID-19) positive cases— will continue to be used for treating patients suspected of having such disease, and that the purchase of 300,000 tests has already been approved.

"We are buying nearly 300,000 molecular tests. However, if the epidemic does not behave as expected, we will consider other mechanisms. We will continue using molecular testing as the first-line method," he expressed.

Regarding the purchase of 1.6 million rapid tests, the cabinet member said they are part of the Health Ministry (Minsa) arsenal used in an extremely high volatility situation of potential COVID-19 cases.


(END) NDP/RMB/MVB

Published: 3/25/2020