CAPE TOWN -
With the Covid-19 infection rate numbers continuing to rise, the pressure is on all hospitals across the country and especially within the Western Cape which has been the epicentre.
South Africa’s infection rate currently stands at 83 890 with 1 737 deaths, with the Western Cape totalling 47 892 infections and 1 309 deaths.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said despite this, hospitals in the Western Cape are not yet operating at full capacity.
“Our critical care wards at Groote Schuur and at Tygerberg are currently running at near capacity, however, two exciting medical breakthroughs may help to relieve some of this pressure,” said Winde.
ALSO SEE: DEXAMETHASONE – THE BREAKTHROUGH COVID-19 TREATMENT
“The high flow nasal oxygen which we are bringing online is starting to make a difference at both Groote Schuur and at Tygerberg, as it presents an alternative therapy to people being treated on ventilators.
“We are also currently working on the clinical protocols for dexamethasone administration to patients on ventilators and oxygen therapy.
“Preliminary results coming out of the UK have shown really positive results in reducing mortality in serious cases of Covid-19,” he said.
Dexamethasone is a steroid that has been listed on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines in multiple formulations.
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