Hospital visits peak in winter

Hanoi (VNA) - The record cold spell with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius over the past four days led to an increase in hospitalisations among children and the elderly for respiratory-related sicknesses.

Nguyen Van Thuong, Head of the Paediatrics Ward under the Hanoi-based Saint Paul Hospital, said that the ward had been overcrowded since January 23.

The ward had 43 sick beds, but received 60 patients. The same situation was reported at other hospitals.

The Bach Mai Hospital's Paediatrics Ward has 60 beds, but received nearly 100 patients. Truong Van Quy, a doctor of the ward, said most of the patients were between 10 days old and six months old. Many of them suffered from serious pneumonia and needed medical ventilators.

The E Hospital's Respiration Ward has received about 70 patients per day. Most of them are elderly with diseases caused by cold weather including asthma, respiratory diseases and strokes.

The Hanoi Department of Health on January 25 checked on Duc Giang General Hospital's progress in giving health examinations and treatment. The check showed that the hospital had opened a new building for use with air conditioners, blankets and warming fans.

Nguyen Ngoc Hien, Deputy Director of Bach Mai Hospital, said all of the wards in the hospital had prepared enough warm blankets and heating equipment.

A hot water system was operating in all wards.

Blood and other necessary substances for transfusions were warmed before being given to the patients.

Luong Ngoc Khue, Director of the Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, said the administration asked hospitals to keep all health examination and treatment rooms warm and prepare enough blankets and heating tools for the patients.-VNA