A medical worker takes care of a patient at the Hà Nội-based Bạch Mai Hospital. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

HÀ NỘI — During the six-day Lunar New Year holiday, the COVID-19 pandemic situation was stable, the number of people receiving emergency treatment due to fireworks accidents increased, while the number hospitalised for traffic accidents decreased, said the Ministry of Health (MoH).

In a report on the Tết period sent to the Government, the MoH said that during the holiday, all hospitals across the country strictly implemented its direction on strengthening medical examination and treatment, ensuring emergency aid for the people.

Hospitals and medical stations in all 63 provinces and cities received more than 321,200 patients for examination and emergency treatment, an increase of 30.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Hospitals performed more than 13,000 surgeries, including more than 2,800 emergency surgeries, down by 7.6 per cent.

The whole country had 13,023 births, a decrease of 7.3 per cent.

Medical facilities across the country received more than 19,600 suspected traffic-related cases, down 12.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The number of deaths suspected to be due to traffic accidents is 105, including 32 occurring at hospitals and 73 occurring before reaching the hospital, reduced by 21.1 per cent.

The MoH also reported nearly 600 cases of emergency treatment due to firecrackers and fireworks, an increase of 52 per cent. Of these, 302 cases required hospitalisation.

In addition, 82 cases went to medical stations after accidents caused by weapons or other homemade explosives, an increase of 60 cases compared to the same period last year. Five deaths were reported, up by three.

Also in the report, the MoH confirmed that medical facilities fully prepared drugs to serve medical examination, treatment and disease prevention.

The country has recorded no shortage of drugs, and no changes in prices and quality of drugs.

Dengue fever

Regarding epidemics, the MoH recorded two new dengue outbreaks in the southern province of Tiền Giang.

Currently, six localities with dengue fever outbreaks must be monitored, including: An Giang (9), HCM City (2), Bến Tre (6), Tiền Giang (10), Tây Ninh (45) and Cà Mau (5).

More than 180 cases of hand-foot-mouth disease were reported nationwide. No deaths were recorded.

However, the report said that a patient with rabies died in Tân Phú Commune, Thời Bình District, Cà Mau southern province. The provincial Centre for Disease Control has organised investigation, supervision and handling according to regulations.

No cases of dangerous, emerging diseases such as influenza A(H5N1), A(H5N6) or COVID-19 were recorded.

The country recorded no fatalities due to food poisoning.

Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn said that in the coming time, the health sector would continue to conduct the Prime Minister's direction on urging tasks after the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday. — VNS