The Ministry of Health has sent bags of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) medicines to 7,098 adults and 646 children, according to Minister of Health Hala Zayed.
In her weekly virtual meeting on Wednesday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Zayed said the COVID-19 medicine bags were sent to 57,122 adults and 18,366 children who have come into contact with confirmed infections.
Zayed also announced several new decisions regarding the provision of health care for people who suffer from chronic diseases amid the coronavirus still spreading. It has been noted that this group is particularly vulnerable to infection.
The minister appealed to citizens wanting to receive medicines for chronic diseases and other supplies to visit the facilities that are to be announced shortly. She noted that a text message will be sent to these citizens to receive treatment from their closest unit or centre for a period of three months.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry reported on Wednesday 1,363 new coronavirus cases, and 84 new deaths, raising the country’s total to 49,219 cases and 1,850 deaths. Up to 13,141 cases have recovered so far.
In the coming period, some measures will be taken to reduce the burden on citizens and facilitate treatment, especially for those with chronic diseases, the minister said. Those benefiting from treatment decisions at state expense and health insurance will also come under the measures.
Zayed pointed out that the list of establishments offering services will be announced next Saturday.
She added that her ministry has designated the Katameya Health Center as a specialised medical examination centre and coronavirus testing site for cancer patients, those with weak immunity, and pregnant ladies.
Zayed also called on Egyptian citizens to visit medical facilities, including in family medicine units and centres, which will be working in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Medical consultants will be present at the facilities to undertake swabs, she added, noting that preventive procedures will be in place to ensure the health and safety of citizens.
Zayed announced that citizens can visit outpatient clinics at Ministry of Health affiliated hospitals to undertake surgery and other procedures.
The Ministry of Health has also launched online registration for cases at private hospitals, instead of the previous paper system. The new digitised version will be implemented through the distribution of usernames and passwords to each hospital for them to add details on infected cases.
Mobile medical units will be launched in certain neighbourhoods and villages, to provide medicines to those being treated at state expense. Committees will provide the units with the requirements to perform medical examinations, and automatically provide medicines at state expense according to the patient’s condition.
Zayed reviewed her ministry’s efforts and the measures taken in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Education, to allow students to undertake their Thannaweya Amma exams under the necessary precautions.
