HCMC – Given his significant progress, Vietnam’s most serious Covid-19 patient, a British pilot working for its flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, could shortly be released from hospital and return to his home country as soon as he makes further progress in his movement, stated the Health Ministry.
According to a report from the national streering committee for Covid-19 infection prevention and control, the pilot has been weaned off a ventilator for six days and his breathing has recovered.
The 43-year-old patient is conscious and can communicate with health workers at the HCMC-based Cho Ray Hospital, where he is being treated. His kidneys, heart and liver functions have also improved. He undergoes physical therapy twice a day.
With his speedy recovery, which was described as “a miracle” by local health experts, the hospital noted that he needs a little more time to rehabilitate his movement. After he started to reduce his reliance on the ECMO, a life support machine to help a patient’s heart and lungs function properly, a fortnight ago, the hospital made a prognosis that it could take weeks for his lungs and leg muscles to recover.
In related news, as of this morning, June 19, Vietnam’s total number of Covid-19 cases reached 342, with 325 recoveries. Of the 17 active cases, four have tested negative for the novel coronavirus at least two times.
