A memorable 'reinforcement' mission

Dr. Trinh Xuan Nam, Specialist Level 2 - Head of the Nghe An medical task force providing reinforcements to Da Nang. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

PV:Doctor, could you please provide the schedule and specific tasks that the Nghe An Department of Health's task force has been carrying out to support Da Nang City in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic?

Doctor Trinh Xuan Nam:The delegation of medical staff from Nghe An province spent 24 days in the city.Da Nangto help this locality fight the epidemic.Covid-19On August 20, 2020, the team departed from Nghe An. One day after arriving in Da Nang City, the team was divided into two groups to take up their duties at two of the three field hospitals in Da Nang City.

Specifically, a group of 10 medical staff members were assigned to the field hospital of the Hoa Vang District Health Center; the remaining 6 staff members were assigned to the Da Nang Lung Hospital. At these two hospitals, depending on their specialties and professional capabilities, the medical staff from Nghe An were assigned to the corresponding departments and wards.

Medical staff from Nghe An province participating in COVID-19 prevention and control efforts in Da Nang City are having samples taken for screening. (Photo: Hoang Yen)

PV:Doctor, what is the current situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic in Da Nang City? Are there any remaining risks of Covid-19 outbreaks in this locality?

Doctor Trinh Xuan Nam:It can be affirmed that we have controlled and pushed back the Covid-19 epidemic in Da Nang City. The city has gradually lifted quarantine measures, returning to normal life. However, there may still be small, isolated outbreaks in the community that we have not yet detected.

In addition, there are some patients entering the country from abroad whose identification, management, and isolation have not been effective. Another risk lies in the group of COVID-19 patients who, after being discharged from the hospital, may test positive again because there are no studies to confirm whether these cases pose a risk of transmission. These are the three risks that need to be addressed and controlled effectively in Da Nang City in the coming period.

Medical staff from Nghe An province participate in epidemic prevention and control efforts in Da Nang city. (Photo: Hoang Yen)

PV:Through this mission, what lessons and experiences have the Nghe An health sector in general and the delegation in particular gained regarding epidemic control and patient treatment?

Doctor Trinh Xuan Nam:Through this mission, we also learned a great deal about the lessons and experiences of Da Nang City in the fight against the epidemic.

The first,Screening, triage, and isolation procedures in hospitals need to be prioritized. This is especially important for patients with underlying conditions in the Intensive Care Unit, patients with chronic kidney disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the elderly. These are patient groups who often experience severe symptoms and have a high risk of death when infected with Covid.

Monday,The operation of field hospitals in Da Nang City has been very successful. This success stems from the strong determination of the Party committees, government, and people of Da Nang City. For example, when the Hoa Vang District Medical Center was designated as a field hospital, Da Nang City completed all professional requirements within four days, including the resuscitation unit, hemodialysis unit, and newly constructed operating room.

The work of preventing and controlling the epidemic at the field hospitals in Da Nang City is very difficult and stressful. Photo: Hoang Yen

Wednesday,Infection control in the treatment of Covid-19, preventing cross-infection and opportunistic infections among patients, healthcare workers, and the community, is of particular importance.

Thursday,Logistics are also extremely important. The resources required for the prevention, control, and treatment of Covid-19 patients are enormous. A unique characteristic of Covid-19 patients is that healthcare workers must provide complete care and support, including in their daily lives. Therefore, we need to prepare resources well. Da Nang City has mobilized a significant amount of resources from philanthropists and citizens to support the daily necessities for healthcare workers and patients.

Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee Huynh Duc Tho presents flowers and thanks the medical delegation from Nghe An. Photo: Hoang Yen

PV:According to doctors, based on the lessons learned from Da Nang, what preparations does Nghe An need to make to cope with potential community-transmitted Covid-19 cases in the locality?

Doctor Trinh Xuan Nam:In my opinion, during this period, the risk of community transmission of Covid-19 remains. Nghe An province must not be complacent. To effectively respond to the Covid-19 pandemic...

The first,We need to do a good job of screening, classifying, and isolating high-risk individuals at hospitals and citizens returning from epidemic areas (including from abroad).

Training on COVID-19 prevention and control at the Nghe An Provincial Friendship General Hospital. Photo: Nghe An Provincial Friendship General Hospital

Tuesday,When an epidemic occurs, it is crucial to focus on epidemiological investigation and containment. In treatment, emphasis should be placed on infection control, limiting cross-contamination among healthcare workers and opportunistic infections in severely ill patients.

Wednesday,We must deploy, organize, and operate field hospitals in a scientific, coordinated, and proficient manner.

Fifth, we need to do a good job of disseminating information so that people know, understand, and cooperate in implementing effective measures to prevent and control the epidemic.

PV:How is the health of the delegation at this time? Can the doctor share any memorable experiences from this trip?

Doctor Trinh Xuan Nam:Currently, the medical team from Nghe An province has been quarantined at a hotel in Cua Lo town for disease prevention and control. All 16 members of the team are in good health, both physically and mentally. Everyone is very pleased with the team's contribution to Da Nang City, as well as the thoughtful, attentive, and warm welcome from the local government and people.

The ARMY Hotel (Cua Lo town) was chosen as the quarantine location for the working group. Photo: Hoang Yen

However, there were also moments of happiness, such as witnessing the joyful and excited expressions of patients when they were informed they had recovered and were discharged from the hospital. These memories and emotions motivated us to be more determined and strive harder to overcome difficulties and fulfill our mission of helping people get through this Covid-19 pandemic.

PV:Thank you, doctor!