COVID-19 News: Turkish Medical Association Warns That COVID-19 Hospitalizations And Deaths Are Increasing Across The Country!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 26, 2023 10 months, 3 weeks, 6 days, 20 hours, 47 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: In a startling development, Turkish hospitals are grappling with a surge in patient volumes reminiscent of the peak days of the COVID-19 pandemic, warns the Turkish Medical Association (TTB). With the convergence of influenza, other seasonal viruses, and potentially new COVID-19 variants, the healthcare system is facing an unprecedented challenge. Various local
COVID-19 News coverages have highlighted the unfolding crisis in Turkey.
Doctors Overwhelmed, Testing Challenges Compound the Crisis
The Family Medicine Branch of the TTB reports that each doctor at family health centers is now examining a staggering 100 patients daily, echoing the strain felt during the pandemic's zenith. Physicians express concerns about the potential arrival of new COVID-19 variants in Turkey, with the absence of a national testing program and proper genomic surveillance, hindering tracking efforts. Limited testing options, especially for influenza, compel doctors to resort to antiquated trial-and-error methods.
https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c4ny66zryy5o
https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkish-hospitals-experience-patient-surge-matching-pandemic-numbers-ttb-says-news-63552
Rising Deaths and Challenges in Identifying Causes
Deaths in Istanbul have surged by 22% above the pre-pandemic average, mirroring the same period last year. The Turkish Medical Association's Pandemic Working Group raises alarms about the increase in death numbers, estimating that the actual figures may be significantly higher than reported. A lack of testing, not only for COVID-19 but also for influenza and other infections, is impeding accurate identification of causes, leading to potential mismanagement and unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Güçlü Yaman, part of the TTB's Pandemic Working Group, highlights a concerning increase in extra deaths compared to the pre-pandemic period. The number of additional deaths in Istanbul alone is alarming, raising questions about the effectiveness of current healthcare measures. Physicians stress the importance of immediate action to curb the rising mortality rates, emphasizing the need for widespread testing and targeted interventions.
To date, about 2247 COVID-19 deaths have been reported officially for the period between 1
st October 2023 to 24
th December 2023.
https://twitter.com/GucluYaman/status/1739328087009976368
However, many healthcare say that the actual COVID-19 death numbers could be far higher than what is being reported.
COVID-19, Influenza, and Seasonal Viruses Converge
Physicians emphasize that the current patient surge is a result of the simultaneous impact of COV
ID-19, influenza, and other seasonal viruses. With no national testing program, the detection and differentiation of these infections become a formidable challenge. Lack of testing not only affects the accuracy of case numbers but also hampers the ability to provide tailored treatments, posing a significant risk to public health.
Workplace Pressure Exacerbates Spread, New Variants Pose a Threat
The surge in cases is exacerbated by workplace pressures, with sick employees compelled to work, thereby spreading diseases throughout entire workplaces. The potential arrival of new COVID-19 variants further complicates the situation, as doctors express the need for a comprehensive testing strategy to identify and track these variants. The lack of such a strategy increases the risk of a prolonged and intensified outbreak.
Intensive Care Units Under Strain, Concerns for the Coming Weeks
The strain on intensive care units in public hospitals is reaching critical levels, echoing the challenges faced during the peak of the pandemic. Physicians warn that the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, and the need for intensive care beds continues to rise. The impending New Year's Eve gatherings are expected to fuel a further increase in patient numbers, putting additional strain on healthcare resources.
Seasonal Increase and Weakened Immunity Amplify Impact
Experts note that deaths due to COVID-19 are on the rise in Turkey, paralleling the trend observed in the United States. The lack of testing makes it challenging to quantify the extent of the problem accurately. Additionally, the seasonal increase in cases, combined with weakened immunity against other viruses due to the ongoing pandemic, poses a grave threat to public health. The need for urgent action, including the establishment of test centers, is emphasized to prevent unnecessary deaths.
Conclusion: Urgent Call for National Testing and Strategic Interventions
As Turkey faces a resurgence in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, urgent measures are imperative to stem the tide. The lack of a national testing program poses a significant obstacle to identifying and managing the evolving crisis effectively. The Turkish Medical Association calls for immediate action, urging the government to implement a comprehensive testing strategy, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and enforce measures to curb the spread of infections. The coming weeks are critical, and proactive interventions are essential to prevent further strain on the healthcare system and mitigate the impact of the ongoing health crisis.
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