Recovery rate of patients in severe condition has climbed significantly from 14 to 64 percent in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus, senior official from the National Health Commission said on Friday.

Fan Zhongjie checks a patient's CT scan. He has been working for two months, during which time he's never gone home. (Photo: China Daily)

The achievement was due to the rapid increase in number of hospital beds and a treatment system launched by expert teams nationwide, Ma Xiaowei, head of the National Health Commission, said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office in Wuhan.

In the past month, hospital beds in Wuhan for treating novel coronavirus infected patients has risen from about 5,000 to 23,000. Of the total, 9,000 are specifically for the patients in severe condition, Ma said.

More than 90 expert teams at either state level or provincial level, consisting of 13,000 experienced medical staff from outside Hubei have been working closely with local doctors in the hospitals, according to Ma.

Compared with the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) virus identified in 2003, he said the novel coronavirus spreads even faster. And those severe patients usually suffer from multiple organ failure.

Due to a lack of experience, Ma said expert teams have conducted pathological anatomical study and concluded an efficient treatment procedure.

"An early intervention is crucial, for example, the invasive mechanical ventilation can become a lifesaving intervention for patients with respiratory and breathing difficulties. This is one of the experiences we've gained," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of cross-field cooperation supported by doctors, nurses, pathologist and people responsible for medical material supplies.

The sixth edition of the novel coronavirus treatment plan, which is based on the previous experiences, is now the latest version released by the commission.

As of Thursday midnight, a total of 36,117 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals nationwide, according to the commission.

"As the treatment work continues, we will gain more experiences and be more confident to fight against the disease. China's treatment plan on the severe infections of the novel coronavirus is the real reflection of our medical capability," he said.