The hospital system in Swaziland (eSwatini) is close
to breaking point as coronavirus cases continue to rise, the Minister of Health
Lizzie Nkosi reported.
She announced a series of measures designed to save it
from collapse.
She blamed people for not following guidelines,
including wearing facemasks and self-distancing.
She told a press briefing, ‘The
health system is not yet overwhelmed, but it is going there. Hence, the need to
change the way we operate.’
As of 25 July 2020 the Ministry of Health had
identified 2,142 positive cases in Swaziland. There had been 28 deaths. Nkosi
said about 23,000 coronavirus (COVID-19) tests had been carried out. The population
of Swaziland is about 1.3 million.
She said, ‘Considering the
increasing number of cases and deaths and the large number of contacts that
need to be traced, we have revised strategies for better use of resources while
ensuring access to quality care for those who need it the most and reducing the
risk of death.’
She said under the new guidelines hospital
admission would be prioritized for those with moderate to severe and critical
illness and those with mild disease with pre-existing conditions.
She also said treatment
would no longer be centralised and would be available in public hospitals
across the kingdom. Some private hospitals would now also be used.
Testing would be prioritized
for all who meet the case definition for the virus and suspect who show
symptoms.
See also
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ambulances grounded by lack of fuel as coronavirus death toll rises
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