| ▲ The number of COVID-19 inpatients has risen for four consecutive weeks, increasing tensions between health authorities and the medical community. (Photo: DB) |
[메디컬투데이=김미경 기자] The number of COVID-19 inpatients has seen a consistent increase over the past four weeks, leading to heightened tensions between public health officials and the medical community.
As of the 29th week of the year (July 20-26), there were 139 COVID-19 inpatients, according to data released by the Korea disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on August 1st. This marks a rise from the 123 inpatients recorded in the preceding week (July 13-19).
The weekly inpatient count has been on an upward trend for four consecutive weeks, starting from 63 in the 25th week (June 15-21), followed by 101 in the 26th week, 103 in the 27th week, 123 in the 28th week, and reaching 139 in the 29th week.
While the current inpatient numbers are not as high as the 1,441 recorded in August of the previous year, health authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further increases by early August.
In response to this trend, the KDCA convened a meeting with its COVID-19 Response Team on July 28th to discuss the current situation, treatment utilization, and response strategies.
Though, the government’s decision to halt the supply of COVID-19 treatment drugs has reportedly caused confusion within the medical field.
the Infection Response Committee of the Korean Medical Association stated on July 30th that obtaining COVID-19 treatment drugs has become difficult at local pharmacies since the government suspended direct supply and shifted the procurement method through the market distribution network.
Consequently, the association has urged the government to address the inconvenience faced by the public by ensuring the availability of COVID-19 treatment drugs at the frontline of healthcare.
The association further emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the KDCA and other health authorities to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Reporter Kim Mi-kyung (Sallykim0113@mdtoday.co.kr)
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