Deputy Minister of Health Nguyễn Trường Sơn checks HCM City private hospitals' preparations of COVID-19 prevention and control last Sunday. — VNA/VNS.Photo Đinh Hằng

HCM CITY — The Ministry of Health last Sunday told private hospitals in HCM City to screen any patient suspected of contracting COVID-19.

During an inspection, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyễn Trường Sơn said the hospitals had properly set up areas for screening and isolation, and were measuring body temperature, disinfecting hands, and distributing medical masks for people visiting them.

If patients have symptoms of cough, fever and difficulty in breathing, they are asked about their history of travelling. If they have travelled to countries and areas where COVID-19 has broken out, they will be sent to the hospitals’ isolated areas.

The private hospitals will then contact the Hospital for Tropical Diseases to receive assistance in diagnosis. They will also have to report these patients to the city's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the inspection, Sơn checked medical supplies at the hospitals and inquired about the criteria they were using to test suspected cases.  

He instructed private hospitals to limit the use of air conditioners and open doors at least twice a day for air ventilation.

On February 26, the ministry ordered health departments in the country to strengthen management and early detection of suspected cases at private hospitals and health clinics.

Missed cases at these facilities could be dangerous for the community, Sơn said.

Sơn ordered private hospitals to change their process of patient admission and treatment to reduce the number of health officials who have direct contact with patients.

Hồng Ngọc Hospital in Hà Nội received the 17th Covid-19 patient and isolated 17 health officials who had direct contact with the patient.

The ministry has issued an action plan on the Government's COVID-19 response with four levels, including the highest level when the disease spreads widely in the community. Provinces and cities have prepared to set up field hospitals for isolation. — VNS