Mandić: Germany banned exports, but we will do everything to procure the necessary medicines

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Vjekoslav Mandić, the Minister of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said at today's press conference that in the last 24 hours, 634 samples were tested, of which 11 were positive for Covid 19.

In the Federation of BiH, 11,196 samples have been tested so far, and the virus has been confirmed in 770 people, 415 women and 355 men.

"In the Federation of BiH, 63 patients have been hospitalized, 5 are on ventilators, 143 people have recovered, and we expect this number to increase," said Mandić.

He thanked UNICEF and USAID for donating equipment to mental health centers.

"All that support in the efforts to provide psychological help to everyone, especially in such a situation," said the minister.

Minister Mandić reiterated that the WHO has recommended that people can be released from quarantine 14 days after a negative test and a positive epidemiological report.

"It is clear from the instructions that everyone must be tested, cantonal institutes must take care of these patients, or rather, people. Regarding lawsuits, the legal framework is in the Law on Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases and the Federal Headquarters on quarantine measures. There is a strong legal provision there, I see no reason to file lawsuits. Individual rights cannot be above the rights of the community. I don't see any problem there," said Mandić, who confirmed that there is a communication problem.

Mandić said that there is a problem with the procurement of medicines for children with developmental disabilities, and that Germany has banned the export of medicines.

"I think its procurement is underway, but if emergency import is possible, I have already said that we will do everything to procure the medicines," said Mandić.

Regarding the easing of measures, Mandić said that the epidemiological situation will be monitored, and measures restricting movement for those under 18 and over 65 will be relaxed.

"We are nowhere near the final phase of the epidemic, I would say it is a long period of adjustment to the situation with the coronavirus. In no case can we think that this is the end, we will maintain social distancing, wear gloves and masks for a long time," he explained, adding that the fight is now with the local transmission of the virus.

When asked about the data on the number of infected and deceased in Belarus, where there are more than 6,000 infected and 51 deceased, and in BiH, with a smaller number of infected, there are the same number of deaths, Mandić did not want to answer precisely.

"I would rather compare myself with neighboring countries and Europe. Mortality in BiH is 4.0%, and if I look at the incidence per 100,000 inhabitants, it is 31 in the Federation of BiH and 40 in the RS. We took quality measures in a timely manner. I like to compare myself with neighboring countries, I would not compare myself with such data," said Mandić.