A national committee made up of leading health specialists says the prognosis of 31 patients across the country who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is critical.

The Treatment Sub-committee under the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control reported on August 7 Vietnam had 31 patients judged to be in ‘critical condition’. In addition, four had been connected to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, while 10 were using invasive mechanical ventilators in the Intensive Care Unit.   

At present, the healthcare station in Hoa Vang district of Da Nang city is giving treatment to 19 patients who are described as in ‘critical condition’.

Meanwhile, 18 SARS-CoV-2 infection cases at the Hue Central Hospital No. 2 remain critical, with two of them currently relying on ECMO machines.

The Da Nang Hospital and the Da Nang Hospital for Lung Diseases are now receiving the remainder of the cases thought to be in ‘critical condition’. 

The Ministry of Health has encouraged the country’s top specialists in infectious diseases, resuscitation, and emergency to contribute to the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Updates on the nation’s severe cases are being regularly made through the operating centre located at the Health Ministry's Department of Medical Examination and Treatment.