Moldova has around 120 mechanical ventilators in hospitals: State Secretary
Moldova has around 120 artificial respiration devices in hospitals, said the Secretary of the Health Ministry Marina Golovaci in the talk show Tema zilei on Chanel 2.
"We have about 500 beds in the intensive care. They are equipped with an oxygenation system, necessary for the serious patients. We have around 120-130 mechanical ventilators for patients in extremely serious condition", Marina Golovaci said.
The statement contradicts with the announcement of President Igor Dodon 3 weeks ago.
"There are around 500 mechanical ventilators only in Chisinau. Three, four percents of 2000 cases, which is 30, 40, 50 people who will need ventilators. But we have 500 devices in Chisinau", the head of state declared.
The ministry's press officer, Veronica Istrati, didn't immediately comment on this statement.
The representatives of the Health Ministry confirmed that the devices are sufficient for the coronavirus-infected patients but admitted that there should be more.
The Secretary of the Health Ministry, Constantin Rîmeș, argues that a donation will have to be made soon in the country, but could not give more details.
"According to the information we have, there are 500, but there have been requests to international donors and there will be more devices in these days, I cannot tell you the specific number, but probably still 500," said the Secretary of State of the MSMPS , Constantin Rîmeș.
Mechanical ventilators are used to move air in and out of the lungs when an individual is unable to breathe on their own.