Cases of Influenza and COVID-19 on the Rise

The Deputy for Treatment at Iran University of Medical Sciences, noting the rise in viral respiratory infections in the community, stressed the continued observance of health recommendations, especially by high-risk groups.

According to the report of Ambassador Arjan Yaser Foroughi Qomi, in a press conference held with the media, he pointed out the increase in cases of respiratory viral infections in the society and emphasized on the continuation of health recommendations, especially by high-risk groups. He also informed about the activities of 70 hospitals under the supervision of this university and the two hospitals of Bab al-Hawaj burn and psychiatry of Iran are on the threshold of operation.

Explaining the latest state of medical services, hospital infrastructure and the spread of viral diseases in the country, he said: We are currently facing the simultaneous circulation of respiratory viruses in the society, and some of the cases are related to influenza and the other part is related to Covid, which is also detected in some tests.

Foroughi Qomi stated that the cases of these diseases have increased with the start of the school season, adding: Although the conditions of Covid are different compared to the previous periods, it is still circulating in the society and it is necessary to follow the health recommendations to prevent the transmission of the disease.

Referring to the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, the vice-chancellor of Iran University of Medical Sciences stated: the elderly, children, people with immune system defects and those suffering from underlying diseases should pay more attention to preventive recommendations; Because viral infections, especially influenza, can have more serious consequences for these people.

Foroughi-Qomi also pointed out that there is a level of immunity in the society due to previous infections and vaccination, and noted: Despite these conditions, the risk of disease for high-risk groups cannot be ignored.

Monitoring coverage of 70 hospitals in Iran University of Medical Sciences

He went on to explain the range of medical activities of Iran University of Medical Sciences and said: This university is one of the largest universities of medical sciences in the country in terms of the number of centers covered, and its medical services and supervision include a population of about 6 million people in Tehran province.

Referring to the activity of 70 hospitals in the supervisory area of this university, the vice-chancellor of Iran University of Medical Sciences said: Of these, 20 are government hospitals and 50 others belong to private, charitable, public, non-governmental and other medical groups.

He added: According to the statistics presented in this meeting, the total number of approved beds in covered hospitals is about 13 thousand 850 beds, of which about 11 thousand 740 beds are active.

Construction of 25 new hospitals in different stages

Referring to the plans for the development of medical infrastructure in Tehran province, Foroughi Qomi said: Currently, 25 hospital projects in the field of activity of Iran University of Medical Sciences are in various stages of construction, and with their completion, a significant capacity will be added to the inpatient infrastructure of the region.

He continued: These projects have different conditions in terms of the amount of physical progress; In such a way that some are in the initial stages of construction and others have high physical progress and are close to the final stages.

Referring to the effect of the current conditions on the opening schedule of some projects, the Vice President of Medicine of Iran University of Medical Sciences said: Two important hospitals of this university are on the threshold of operation, and their opening has faced changes in the schedule due to recent conditions.

Foroughi Qomi said about Bab Al-Hawaj Burn Hospital: This project is being completed with more than 98% physical progress and it is expected to be put into operation in the coming months.

Emphasizing the importance of developing specialized capacities for burn treatment, he added: With the establishment of this hospital, it will be possible to organize and strengthen specialized burn services, and this center can play an important role in providing services to patients in Tehran province and patients referred from other provinces.

He also pointed out the necessity of developing specialized centers for the treatment of burn patients and said: This group of patients needs special specialized facilities, equipment and services, and the development of treatment infrastructure in this field is of great importance.

In another part of his speech, the vice-chancellor of Iran University of Medical Sciences announced that Iran Psychiatric Hospital is ready for opening and stated: This hospital has passed the preparatory stages and its operation is expected in the near future.

Pointing to the importance of developing mental health services and treating psychiatric patients, Foroghi Qomi stated: Creating appropriate capacities to provide services to these patients is one of the important needs of the health system, and the establishment of specialized centers can help improve patients' access to medical services.

Emphasizing the sovereign responsibility of universities of medical sciences in the provision and development of medical infrastructure, he noted: providing services to burn and psychiatric patients, due to the need for equipment, facilities and specialized care, comes with significant costs; However, providing the necessary capacities for the treatment of these patients is one of the important tasks of the health system, and the development of these infrastructures is pursued with the aim of responding to the treatment needs of the society.