Madagascar opens new COVID-19 treatment center

Madagascar has launched a new COVID-19 treatment center amid rising cases and hospitals being overwhelmed, said President Andry Rajoelina on Sunday.

The Mahamasina treatment center in the capital of Antananarivo can accommodate 250 COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms, the president said in a series of tweets.

“In these difficult times, I call on the nation to show unity and solidarity in the fight against the epidemic,” Rajoelina said.

The center, where care will be given primarily by army doctors and paramedics, has been equipped with oxygen concentrators as well as ventilators for patients with breathing difficulties, according to the president.

He vowed to beat the virus and announced that 2,400 oxygen concentrators will arrive from abroad soon and be distributed to hospitals across the country.

According to the country’s health ministry, Madagascar has recorded 8,866 virus cases so far, including 78 deaths and 5,575 recoveries.

Health professionals in the country stated earlier this week that virus cases have been increasing rapidly and hospitals are full to capacity.

The president has been promoting COVID-Organics, a herbal drink to treat the virus.

A protocol has been established between the World Health Organization and Madagascar to push forward clinical trials, and find out if the tonic works against the disease.