Aug 04 (NHK) - Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has asked for support from medical professionals in providing medical care to COVID-19 patients asked to recuperate at home.
Suga held talks with leaders of medical associations on Tuesday. This comes after his announcement of a new policy on Monday that will see coronavirus patients free of severe symptoms being asked to stay at home.
Suga explained that the government will ensure that seriously ill patients and those who need breathing support or have underlying conditions will be admitted to hospital.
He added that other patients will also be hospitalized if their condition deteriorates.
The prime minister said he wants doctors at regional clinics to monitor the condition of non-hospitalized patients and provide the care they require through home visits or online consultations.
He stressed his determination to protect people's lives and well-being. He renewed his call for cooperation in the effort to ensure enough hospital beds are available for COVID patients.
Japan Medical Association chief Nakagawa Toshio pointed out that the government should declare a nationwide state of emergency so stronger antivirus measures, including a ban on cross-prefectural travel, can be put in place.
He went on to say that local doctors' associations and medical institutions will step up efforts to care for patients, including those recuperating at home.
Source: ANNnewsCH
