Citing the continuing surge in new COVID-19 infections, particularly in Bangkok and its vicinities, the Department of Medical Services has expressed serious concern that there may not be sufficient hospital beds in state hospitals to accommodate severe cases who require ventilators.

Department Director-General Dr. Somsak Akkasilp, said today (Tuesday) that the number of daily new cases in Bangkok and five nearby provinces has exceeded 1,000 for over two consecutive months, with the likelihood that the number will steadily increase, especially the severe and the moderate cases.

These groups of patients need additional medical care, so the demand for hospital beds is increasing, he said.

Citing information, as of June 21^st, he said that severe cases have occupied 409 beds in state hospitals, leaving about 20 unoccupied beds to accommodate the severe cases, who include COVID-19 patients in need of surgery or emergency treatment.

For the moderate cases, Dr. Somsak said that 3,937 beds in state hospitals have been occupied by these patients, leaving only about 300 beds still available.

Due to the shortage of hospital beds, while new cases are steadily rising, he admitted that the coordination of hospital bed allocation occasionally hits a snag, resulting in delayed admissions.