WHO claims narrowing of basic medical care due to coronavirus pandemic

In most countries of the world, basic medical care services due to the coronavirus pandemic have not been fully provided, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said at a briefing on June 22. According to him, WHO specialists came to such conclusions on the basis of a survey conducted by this international structure. WHO recently conducted a survey in 82 countries to assess the impact of the pandemic on essential health services. More than half of 82 countries have restricted or suspended at least one of the health services, such as outpatient or inpatient treatment, as well as general care, Gebreyesus said. He noted that in 75% of the countries participating in the survey reported a complete or partial termination of dental and rehabilitation services. More than 50% of countries have discontinued mental health care, prenatal care for pregnant women and cancer diagnosis. In addition, there was a restriction on medical services for sick children. Two thirds of the countries surveyed noted failures in the vaccination system, diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases, family planning services and pregnancy prevention.