Covid-19: Authorities warn of overburdened systems, possible triage for Covid-patients

Health authorities in Maldives have warned that they may have to begin "choosing" or triaging Covid-19 patients for treatment if the caseload continues to increase.

Health Promotion Coordinator for the Maldives Medical Association Dr. Fathimath Mufliha made the remarks at a press conference held on Thursday, confirming that the Maldives' Covid-19 outlook had worsened considerably during the third wave, with the number of hospital admissions also increasing.

Dr. Mufliha went on to warn that health authorities would be forced to "choose" or triage Covid-19 patients if too many hospital admissions were required, in order to establish effective treatment for severe cases and maintain patient flow. She added that health professionals continue to work tirelessly, without holidays or vacations, to vaccinate the public and provide treatment for patients with Covid-19, and called for public support in reducing the nation's caseload for the infection.

Dr. Mufliha revealed that if the infection was not controlled soon, health authorities would be unable to provide comprehensive care for all patients. She noted that this was a huge concern for doctors and health workers at this time as the number of daily new Covid-19 cases being detected continue to be on the rise.

Further, Dr. Mufliha announced that authorities would be pursuing a mass awareness movement across the Maldives, as the nation closes out a year of battling the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Mufliha called for strong public backing for the movement, and assured that health workers would continue to support those in the Maldives as the country proceeds into another year of living life within the new normal.