Samut Sakhon field hospital all set to treat migrant workers

The field hospital was set up to take care of infected people with initial minor symptoms, or asymptomatic patients, and also provides treatment for common diseases, as well as imparts advice on family planning, birth control and mental health.

Those infected with Covid-19 won’t need to visit a full-fledged hospital because the field hospital has a regular team of doctors and nurses. But if a patient’s symptoms are severe, he/she will be referred to hospital.

The Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute,The Department of Disease Control and the Department of Health Services Support helped design and are managing the engineering system, air filter and waste disposal system at the field hospital.

The hospital’s service area is divided into three zones – a red zone being the dormitory area, an orange zone being the waiting area for treatment and screening, and a green zone, which is an operation area.

The hospital is equipped with 30 beds and more are to be added. With support by the Army, at least 75 patients have been treated at this field hospital.

Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit said the outbreak has now entered the second week.

The shrimp market is classified as a Cluster Quarantine area in order to prevent travel and more infections.

The field hospital also has a team of migrant workers health volunteers to help communicate and educate people about health at the accommodation. In addition, a Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team has also been deployed.

Food and alcohol gel have been distributed to migrant workers.

“We have given them information [about Covid-19] and they clearly understand and are cooperating, abiding by good hygiene and social distancing. They are also helping monitor whether any workers try to flee and will report to officers before such people spread the risk,” Dr Kiattiphum said.