Almaty's Preparedness for Potential COVID-19 Surge: Assessing Hospital Readiness for OncomingCoronavirus Wave
In the Heart of Almaty: COVID-19 Surge Unveils a City Under Strain
A somber silence fills the ICU units, punctuated by the relentless hum of ventilators. patients, their lungs scarred by the relentless claw of COVID-19. Sixteen critical cases cling desperately to life, every breath a testament to our world's ongoing fight against this insidious disease.
Last night, the first modular hospital in Almaty admitted 35 COVID-positive patients through emergency calls, as the city grapples with a surge in infections.
One survivor, Edesh Rakhimzhanov, recounts his arduous journey through the disease. A week ago, an ambulance rushed him to the hospital in critical condition, wracked with dizziness, fever, and debilitating body aches. His lungs were ravaged, with damage amounting to a staggering 50%. But today, he's made a miraculous recovery, still relying on an oxygen machine to breathe.
Edesh shares his experiences, urging us to be vigilant. "I feel better. I stayed to fight and recover. We need to endure this. Take care of ourselves. And secondly, spare the doctors' efforts. The fewer people, the better. I think every reasonable person should realize, experience it themselves, and decide to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and people in general," he says.
Another patient, Rustam Karagubenov, caught the virus during a business trip to the capital, possibly at the airport. "Of course, I was shocked. I didn't expect it. I thought I'd avoid it. I followed all the norms. Unfortunately, not everyone takes this disease seriously. So, I strongly recommend wearing masks and using sanitizers," he warns.
The tireless efforts of medical professionals can't be overstated. Around 300 doctors work in the crowded wards, living in hotels and dedicating every day to the cause. They report that while the current situation is challenging, it's much easier than the spring when COVID-19 first upended our lives.
Tamara Utaganova, the acting deputy chief physician of the Republican Scientific Practical Center for Emergency Medicine named after I. Zhakenov, emphasizes the readiness of equipment and resources. "The intensive care units are fully equipped with ventilators, pumps, infusion, laboratory equipment, and medication. We also ensure individual protective equipment," she assures.
The first modular hospital was built in just 18 days, serving as a makeshift haven for the severely ill at the height of the pandemic's onslaught. City authorities have already prepared several hospitals for a potential second wave, with the largest hospital in Turksib district boasting a capacity of 300 beds and the city's largest intensive care unit.
This hospital houses 45 intensive care beds, each outfitted with vital equipment. Each bed is equipped with a console for swift and efficient connection of equipment, a lifeline for urgent situations.
The city has prepared a total of 32 COVID hospitals with over 7,000 beds, including 250 intensive care beds. In the past two months, four new clinics have been constructed.
As of now, six hospitals are equipped with medical gas, with eight more set to receive centralized oxygen supply soon. The city's telemedicine center assures that all hospitals are well-stocked with medication, medical equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Despite these preparations, the current search results reveal a lack of specific information regarding the number of ICU beds or hospital capacity during the surge in COVID-19 infections in Almaty. Further consultation of local health reports or updates from Almaty's health authorities could shed light on these crucial aspects and our city's readiness for the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
This report has been brought to you by Aidana Nurash, Aigul Agyltayeva, and Ganiy Kaluov, contributors for Almaty TV.
The ongoing battle against COVID-19 in Almaty not only tests the resilience of its citizens but also the dedication of medical professionals, with scientific advances playing a crucial role in the fight against severe medical conditions. In the heart of Almaty's health-and-wellness landscape, many lives hang in the balance, relying on the resources and expertise of medical teams for a chance at recovery.
