PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS PLEDGE FULL SUPPORT TO COMBAT H1N1

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Private medical practitioners have made a
promise to the government to fully support the battle against the Influenza A
(H1N1) pandemic after a dialogue session with Health Minister Liow
Tiong Lai here Thursday.

After the meeting held at the Ministry here, Liow stated that the government
would also seek to help private medical practitioners to make the H1N1 anti
viral drug such as Tamiflu more affordable to the general public by seeking the
cooperation of suppliers to lower its cost.

"The private medical practitioners have requested low cost treatment, low
cost for tamiflu and antiviral drugs. We have to intervene in the market. The
Health Ministry will call up the drug suppliers to ask them to help reduce
costs.

"I think it's a fair request because we have to work hand-in-hand to fight
this pandemic. We can't do it alone, we need everyone's help.
They (private medical practitioners) understand their role," clarified Liow.

He also added that currently there was still not enough anti-viral drugs in
the market and the price for the medication was around RM140 (US$490) to RM160
(US$560).

The Ministry has also given clear guidelines including a flow-chart to
private medical practitioners regarding the methods of treating those suspected
to have Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) or are confirmed H1N1 cases.

The clinics have also been asked to immediately refer those with morbid or
severe cases to government or private hospitals.

"I also want to emphasise that the WHO (World Health Organisation) team down
in Malaysia has made a thorough investigation and have concurred with our
findings that our death surveillance system is sensitive and working well.

"We continue to be vigilant to handle the situation. That's why we engage
all the doctors, including government and private to develop better, faster
treatment and ensure antiviral drugs are available at all level and patients
won't be pushed around all over the place," explained Liow.

He further stated that out of the 71 deaths that had occured, 80 per cent of
them was a result of co-morbid and high risk groups whereas the rest happened
due to late treatment.

During the dialogue the private medical practitioners were represented by
the Malaysian Medical Association, Private Hospital Associations, Federation of
Private Medical Practitioners and Primary Care Doctors Association, Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA