In Bishkek, the Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan, Erkin Checheybaev, conducted an inspection of several medical institutions that parents most often turn to with children suffering from acute respiratory viral infections and flu. As part of his working visit, he familiarized himself with the conditions at the City Children's Clinical Emergency Hospital and the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital.
According to the hospital directors, there is a significant increase in visits and hospitalizations at this time of year. The worsening situation is mainly associated with mass gatherings of children, especially in playgrounds of large shopping centers in Bishkek. The issue of a shortage of medical personnel, particularly pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and nursing staff, was also raised.
During the visit, the minister issued instructions to improve the situation: to increase the number of staff in children's and infectious disease hospitals by attracting specialists from the primary healthcare network; to create more comfortable conditions for young patients and their companions; to ensure access to clean drinking water in waiting areas; to open additional offices for patient consultations to reduce queues and minimize the risk of mass gatherings.
Checheybaev emphasized that the traditional peak of flu and ARVI incidence is observed in December, and the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic is already developing additional measures to optimize the operation of hospitals.
In light of the increase in flu and ARVI cases, the department strongly recommends that citizens, upon the first symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or general weakness, contact the Family Medicine Centers (FMC) in their area.
Unjustified visits to hospitals can lead to increased waiting times and a higher risk of contracting other viruses, which is especially dangerous for children.
The FMCs in Bishkek operate:
·
Mon–Fri: 08:00–20:00
·
Saturday: 08:00–18:00
·
Sunday: 08:00–14:00
Recommendations for the prevention of viral infections:
·
regularly ventilate rooms;
·
wash hands thoroughly with soap;
·
avoid crowded places, use masks in public areas;
·
strengthen immunity: balanced diet, hydration, sufficient sleep;
·
consult family doctors in a timely manner.
