Top Doctor on Hospital Crisis: 'It's More Than Masks'

An alarming shortage of vital equipment – not just protective masks, but also other protective and therapeutic equipment — is creating problems far worse than generally reported according to those familiar with conditions in hospitals in New York, California, and Chicago.

A leading New York City physician who asked not to be identified told Newsmax Saturday, “The situation is much more dire” than the public realizes.

He added, “Protective eye gear does not exist and everyone has to use single-use protective gear, including masks, almost indefinitely which translates to not if health care workers will get the virus, but when.’’

The physician spoke with colleagues in New York, California, and Chicago over the past week who painted a dramatic picture of a healthcare system already showing signs of stress and on the verge of being dangerously overburdened.

He said doctors trying to refer patients to specialists for vital evaluations are unable to do so. The reason: Without proper protective equipment, the specialists aren’t taking new appointments.