The British pilot patient being treated at Chợ Rẫy Hospital in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s most critically ill COVID-19 patient is now able to make basic communication with doctors after his dosage of sedatives was reduced on Wednesday evening, doctors have announced. 

The 43-year-old pilot, who was named by the Scottish Daily Mail as Stephen Cameron, was connected to the Buddha Bar coronavirus cluster in HCM City's District 2.

Trần Thanh Linh, deputy head of HCM City-based Chợ Rẫy Hospital’s intensive care unit, said after reducing doses of muscle relaxants and reducing sedatives, Cameron is now capable of performing simple gestures, while still on life support. 

He was previously declared treated of the coronavirus on May 21 following many negative tests, but the disease has devastated his immune system and resulted in multiple organ failures. 

His coughing has improved and he can move his fingers and toes, although breathing and limb weakness remain issues. 

Cameron is no longer on kidney dialysis, however. 

His lung functions have improved quite a bit compared to the worst moments during his treatment for the virus at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, where he has been treated for COVID-19 since he was confirmed to be infected, but these improvements are not enough, doctors said. 

Linh said in two days, Chợ Rẫy will hold consultations with the treatment sub-committee of the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Control and Prevention to determine if it is okay to wean him off of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or stop the treatment altogether. 

British Consul General in HCM City Ian Gibbons on May 21 sent a letter to HCM City leadership and medical staff to thank for their support for British nationals, especially the excellent care for Cameron. — VNS