Critical shortages still causing problems in Wuhan

There is still a great shortage of medical resources at hospitals in Wuhan, epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, said Hu Yabo, executive vice-mayor of the city.

For example, there was a need for 41,400 protective suits, 56,800 N95 masks and 19,200 pairs of goggles on Thursday, Hu said at a news conference on Friday night.

The city has increased its purchase of medical equipment at home and abroad, and priority for the allocation of equipment has been given to the newly built Huoshenshan Hospital, Leishenshan Hospital and makeshift hospitals, he said.

Peng Peng, president of Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, which mainly receives patients in critical condition, said apart from the shortage of medical staff and resources, hospitals also need more oxygen supply.

Patients with severe symptoms and those in critical conditions all need oxygen and without enough oxygen, hospitals cannot use respirators to save them, he said.

The demand for oxygen currently is 10 times the peak demand in the past, and no hospital has prepared for such extreme situations, he said.