Until everyone is safe
Far outweigh the risks’
Now the main challenge for hospitals are human resource shortage and bed capacity at hospital level, especially capacity to provide intensive care. In relation to this, we are supporting by not only providing technical advice on clinical management, but by also mobilizing resources and procuring essential equipment and devices, and personal protective equipment. In addition, WHO is providing support to strengthen the capacity of health care providers working in health care and isolation facilities through various capacity building trainings.
COVID-19 isn’t the only concern for WHO. Mongolia has been criticized as being heavily focused on the pandemic response, while COVID-19 lockdowns and regulations are causing more deaths than the virus itself due to other physical and mental illnesses and conditions, increased poverty, malnutrition, crime, and reduced access to healthcare (hospitals require PCR test). How can health care services be provided accessibly and inclusively amid the pandemic? What needs to improve in Mongolia for WHO to work more effectively?
Mongolia has a relatively well-developed health systems. For instance, all smallest administrative units, including khoroos and soums, have primary health centers which have a critical role in providing essential health services and COVID-19 related services. I would like to note that, during this challenging time, the government has been taking significant measures toward improving capacity at referral hospitals and primary health centers to ensure accessibility and quality of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 services. However, there is a need to improve capacity to develop a surge plan and its implementation, especially at province and district hospitals.
When do you think Mongolia and the world will return to “normal”?
We all wish to return to our “normal” life as soon as we can. This pandemic requires a collective action and solidarity. We must remember that none of us will be safe until everyone is safe.
The UB Post is marking its 25th anniversary. Would you like to address our readers with a message?
I’d like to congratulate The UB Post team and your readers on your 25th anniversary. Being a long-standing English-language media outlet, you have an important role in connecting Mongolia with the world and the world with Mongolia. I wish you, your team and all the readers good health and prosperity. Thank you.