Question NW2481 to the Minister of Health
03 December 2021 - NW2481
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to his recent media briefing held on Friday, 12 November 2021, where he informed the public that his department will ensure that there is an adequate supply of oxygen, ventilators, beds and personal protective equipment (PPE) in light of the shortage of beds and oxygen during the third wave of COVID-19 infections, what number of additional (a) beds, (b) ventilators and (c) PPEs does his department estimate will be needed nationally in order to overcome the impact of the fourth wave?
Reply:
a) Beds
The Department has no plan to increase the number of beds from the current baseline that we have. This is based on the fact that even during the third wave, which was the highest, the country never had shortage of beds and oxygen that was required for the management of Covid-19 pandemic. As an example, between the 12 and 15 July 2021, which was at the highest point of the third wave, the country had the following hospitalisation breakdown:
- The total admissions in Non-ICU Beds was 14 319 out of total General 108 805 beds (13% bed occupancy)
- There 2423 admissions in the ICU beds out of 5615 total ICU beds (43% bed occupancy)
This means that we have enough capacity based on the lessons learned from the third wave, and as such there is no need to increase the number of beds.
b) Additional Ventilators
Both private and public sector hospitals have received 14 292 ventilators from Solidarity Fund. These devices are in the hospitals and approximately 7000 have been used. This has left us with a strategic reserve in the event of the increase in the number of patients. The department has further received 5708 of the additional ventilators which is the reserve that is kept in the National Department of Health for further deployment in the event of further pressure that may arise.
c) Additional PPEs
PPEs are in the main consumable and as such they are dependent on the rate of use. The Department has a system for monitoring the Stock On Hand, which alerts the department to the areas of acute shortages. The department has budget which will be used whenever the PPE reach less than 70% at aby given time.
END.