Shavkat Mirziyoyev: We must treat the infected and develop the economy simultaneously

On July 28, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference to discuss measures on addressing the complicated situation with coronavirus in Uzbekistan’s regions.

COVID-19 continues to spread around the world. In Uzbekistan, cases of infection have reached 21.7 thousand, having increased by 3 thousand over the past five days.

In particular, 347 new cases were detected in Tashkent region, 193 in Kashkadarya, 130 in Surkhandarya, 123 – Samarkand, 83 – Syrdarya and 79 in Andijan region. Pneumonia has mounted significantly in Bukhara, Fergana, Samarkand, Namangan, Tashkent, Khorezm regions and Karakalpakstan.

Earlier, in accordance with the decision of the Republican Special Commission, the lockdown restrictions in Uzbekistan were extended through to August 15. The current situation requires further consolidation of the fight against the coronavirus.

Pressing issues in the regions were discussed at the meeting, additional tasks were identified.

The Republican Special Commission was instructed to form and send groups to each region to provide practical assistance in stabilizing the epidemiological situation at places, as well as to treat patients.

These groups would involve the heads and specialists of responsible government agencies, specialized healthcare centers and medical education institutions, as well as experienced retired doctors. The groups will promote early and accurate diagnosis of the population in the regions, facilitate correct and qualified treatment of patients depending on the degree of the disease.

Khokimiyats have been given directives to organize hospitals specialized for coronavirus, increase the number of intensive care beds, equip them with essential medical equipment and medicines. It was noted that it is crucial to set up special polyclinics for providing qualified medical care to patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia, building on the experience of the city of Tashkent.

The Head of the state raised the issue of supplying medical equipment to alleviate the condition of seriously ill patients.

Over the past two weeks, 370 ventilators, 1,041 CPAP machines, 1,164 oxygen concentrators and other equipment have been additionally delivered and distributed among the regions. Given the possible increase in the number of infected, the Republican Special Commission was ordered to deliver additional equipment.

In accordance with the July 25 Presidential Decree on measures to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic, radically improve the system of sanitary and epidemiological welfare and public healthcare, the Service for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health was established. Today, this service is tasked with breaking the chain of COVID-19. Among important areas of activity is the work in cooperation with the healthcare system and khokimiyats towards treatment of patients and reduction of the risk of transmission of the virus.

As it was noted at the meeting, it is crucial to establish systemic monitoring of the health of children, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and chronic diseases.

It was noted that during the lockdown period, not a single needy family should be left without attention, the system of targeted provision of the poor with material assistance, food and medicines should work accurately and smoothly.

“In the current situation, we must simultaneously treat the infected and develop the economy. Therefore, along with the protection of people’s health, work in other areas should be continued with iron discipline”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev insisted.

The khokims were given instructions to take concrete measures taking into account the actual state of affairs in the regions. The importance of strict adherence to the rules for wearing masks and social distancing was emphasized, while for persons over 65 – the undesirability of leaving home unless absolutely necessary.

At the videoconference, attended by khokims and heads of sectors, the progress of work towards exports and investments, implementation of forecast indicators of budget revenues, cultivation of cotton and irrigation of crops was considered. Responsible officials presented reports on these issues.

UzA