Egypt Hospitals Near 'critical Threshold' In Virus Fight
Muhammad Irfan Published May 20, 2020 | 05:25 PM
Three months after Egypt reported its first novel coronavirus case, medical experts warn the strained healthcare system of the Arab world's most populous nation is nearing a "critical threshold"
Cairo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2020 ) :Three months after Egypt reported its first novel coronavirus case, medical experts warn the strained healthcare system of the Arab world's most populous nation is nearing a "critical threshold".
Hospitals have been hit by a flight of doctors abroad in recent years while the frontline staff left behind face shortages of medical supplies and protective gear that heightens the risk of infection.
The North African country of more than 100 million people has declared more than 13,000 cases and over 600 deaths from COVID-19 -- and daily new infections are still on the rise.
The country's 17 isolation hospitals reserved for novel coronavirus patients reached their maximum capacity at the start of the month, deputy health minister Ahmed al-Sobki told local press.
Since early May, the healthcare sector has indeed been approaching the "critical threshold of its capacity," said Ayman Sabae, a health expert at the non-government Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.
In recent years, as Egypt was shaken by political turmoil, many medical professionals have moved overseas in search of better opportunities, leaving it with just one physician per 1,000 people, according to the doctor's union.
As the virus caseload has mounted, the remaining healthcare workers have born the brunt of the crisis, often at very low pay.
"How can I build my life with a monthly salary of 1,800 Egyptian Pounds (105 Euros)? It's impossible," said Mohamed Ibrahim, a 26-year-old nurse at the Cairo Oncology Center.
To get by, Ibrahim works two jobs, also doing shifts in the private sector for a further 4,000 pounds (234 euros) per month.
Recent Stories
Aeon & Trisl signifies back-to-back successes by securing the No. 1 Award at the ..
Attaullah Tarar’s success notification from NA-127 challenged
PSX witnesses positive trend today
PM Shehbaz meets CJP Isa to address IHC judges’ concerns
Pakistan vows to bring to justice perpetrators, abettors of Bisham terrorist att ..
May 9 riots: SC allows conditionally to military courts to deliver reserved verd ..
Interior Minister arrives in Peshawar after Shangla suicide attack
OPPO Reno 11 F 5G: Setting New Records as Pakistan's Most Beloved Smartphone Lin ..
PCB dismisses FICA's claims of unpaid dues in PSL
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 March 2024
Niger says US to submit plan to 'disengage' troops
More Stories From Health
-
Increased diagnostic testing for drug resistance
5 days ago -
IRD releases groundbreaking results of end TB programme
7 days ago -
Increased diagnostic testing for drug resistance TB will enhance patients’ treatment outcome
10 days ago -
JRF to provide insulin to underprivileged diabetic patients
12 days ago -
MBBS third professional annual exams 2023: check results here
13 days ago -
CM Maryam visits PIC, inquiries after patients
15 days ago
-
Health expert recommends exercise for weight loss in Ramazan
17 days ago -
Blood camp held at SNGPL office
17 days ago -
Free Medical camp for people with mental, physical disabilities
23 days ago -
Breast cancer has become most common disease in few years: expert
23 days ago -
Punjab Healthcare Commission shuts down 634 illegal treatment centers
23 days ago -
COMSTECH, Al-Shifa Trust team conduct free cataract eye surgeries in Somalia
23 days ago