Recovered Covid-19 patients should offer assistance: health authorities

"We need your support during this decisive period, although we understand that you need time to recover from this terrifying disease," Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son said in a letter Friday to former Covid-19 patients.

There are many who are suffering from the Delta variant, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, and all support are needed, he stressed.

"The city and I appreciate your contribution in any position you choose."

Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Health Nguyen Hoai Nam said Thursday former patients who want to help will be recruited and compensated.

As of Sept. 1, over 116,300 Covid-19 patients have been discharged in the city, which creates a valuable resource in the fight against Covid-19, he added.

Other officials said these patients understand very well the difficulties others experience and would help motivate them to overcome the disease.

Deputy Minister Son in July also called for HCMC residents, including retirees and students to volunteer to help fight Covid-19. Around 10,000 people have responded to his call.

HCMC, home to 13 million people, has recorded over 241,000 Covid cases since the end of April, with 8,499 on Friday alone.