No Covid-19 patient is allowed to isolate at home or treat themselves with over-the-counter drugs, Thai Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul announced on April 20. He made the comment after taking delivery of mattresses, UV sterilisers, refrigerators and beverages for field hospitals.
He said his ministry has made provisions, so Covid-19 patients do not have to wait to be treated. “Patients do not have to go into self-isolation or try to treat themselves as there are plenty of beds available at hospitals and field hospitals,” he said.
“All patients can be treated and medical staff can monitor their symptoms.”
He also confirmed that there is enough Favipiravir to treat Covid-19 patients, refuting a Facebook post from the Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital’s director saying Thailand had run out of Favipiravir pills. Anutin said there were enough test kits for Covid-19 as well.
“The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation has placed an order for Favipiravir pills and Covid-19 test solutions as well,” he added.
Meanwhile, Department of Medical Services director-general Somsak Akksilp said there will be enough beds available for Covid-19 patients in a couple of days, adding that isolating at home may be a solution if there is a fourth wave and the number of cases rises beyond 10,000 daily.
THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
