Used as an isolation space for patients with infectious diseases such as coronavirus
Hospital unable to resume treatment, forced to operate ‘container’
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 5th that while medical institutions were also damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, medical examinations were being conducted locally at a container-type medical relief center.
According to reports, it was difficult to respond with privacy in mind because there was little space to isolate patients with infectious diseases such as the new coronavirus in evacuation centers, but the use of containers with a function to prevent viruses from being released outdoors is spreading to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The medical team that rushed in immediately after the earthquake toured the evacuation center, installed partitions in the corridors where evacuees came and went, and conducted examinations. Due to the effects of prolonged evacuation, many patients complain of high blood pressure or difficulty walking, and some patients are said to have suffered injuries or burns while clearing.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Cabinet Office requested dispatch to hospitals that own containers to supplement the medical system in earthquake-hit areas. As of the 31st of last month, a total of 21 units were installed in three areas, including Suzu City, Wajima City, and Shikamachi, and other locations are planned to be added.
An elementary and middle school container in Ishikawa Prefecture is approximately 2.4m wide and 6m deep, and is operated by 7 people, including 2 doctors. This container is intended to be used as a ‘fever exogenous’ and is equipped with equipment to inactivate viruses and bacteria with ultraviolet rays.
According to the Ishikawa Prefecture Medical Association, out of about 30 clinics in the four northern regions of the Noto Peninsula, a total of 11, including Wajima City, Noto Town, and Anamizu-machi, were able to resume treatment as of the 2nd, and 6 in Suzu City. Dog clinics are unable to reopen.
A doctor (paramedic) who participated in the medical container activity said, “Medical containers will support local medical care until clinics reopen,” adding, “Because there are evacuees staying at home, the challenge is to publicize the location of the (medical container) activity.” “Everything,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.