Okinawa “medical catastrophic condition” medical worker infection in emergency response to tourists

As the spread of the new coronavirus continues, medical institutions in Okinawa Prefecture are not only short of manpower due to the infection of medical workers, but also rushed to respond to tourists' emergencies, spurring the medical crisis. increase.

A doctor complains of a sense of crisis, saying, ``I think I have to say that it is in a catastrophic state.''

At the Yuai Medical Center, a key medical institution for the new corona in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture, as of the 12th, about 80 out of about 1,400 medical workers such as doctors and nurses were infected or had close contact. I'm in a state where I can't work due to something like that, and I'm postponing less urgent surgery.

Last month, 576 ambulances were accepted, which is about 30% higher than the monthly average, and 203 were refused transportation, about 12 times the 17 cases in July last year.

As of 10:00 a.m. on the 12th, all 24 beds for mild and moderate illness and 5 beds for severe illness reserved for COVID-19 patients have been occupied.

While the medical system is in a difficult situation, many tourists visit Okinawa this year, and the burden is increasing as they are transported to hospitals due to new corona infections, injuries, and sudden illnesses. .

In addition, while the number of cases in which tourists who have been confirmed to be infected in the prefecture cannot secure recuperation facilities and are entering accommodation facilities is increasing, it is becoming more difficult for people living in Okinawa to enter accommodation facilities.

Nao Yamauchi, director of the emergency department at the Yuai Medical Center, commented on the current medical situation, saying, "I think it's devastating, hopeless, and devastating. In Okinawa, it is extremely difficult for tourists to find a hospital where they can see them immediately if they become infected with the coronavirus, or if they suddenly become ill or injured. I want you to think carefully about what kind of impact you will have on the people around you when you go there, and then decide your actions.”