Press Releases
SFH on drug and hand, foot and mouth disease
Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the
Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session
after attending a public function today (March 30):
Reporter: (progress on the review of drug management)
Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding the review process of the drug
management, the Department of Health has already gone through the inspection
of 25 local manufacturers, they did not find anything that is serious, apart
from what has already been reported. So, it is important to note that
everyone is strengthening their control both internally as well as
externally. Secondly, the Hospital Authority has also gone through the
internal audit of all their drugs and consumables. So, they would report any
discrepancy or irregularity. As far as I can foresee, with the strengthening
of this process, there would be continuous reporting of any particular
incident, particularly with human error involved in the future. But it is
important for every party to respond timely, to resolve any issue regarding
the drug problem, and also to report to the public to let them know about
the risk of handling drugs so that they know the risk involved in
healthcare.
Regarding the hand, foot and mouth disease in China, I think from the report
we have received from the Ministry of Health it is mainly located in the
northern provinces like Shandong and Henan. It has now more than 40,000
patients with more than 10 mortalities. This type of disease is usually
quite contagious for young children, particularly for schools and
institutes. In Hong Kong, we have every now and then reports of this kind as
well. But so far, I think we are still within the so-called limits we have
been in the past years. I think that with the increase of hygiene and also
the vigilance of and sensitivity of our schools, our healthcare system now
is responding very timely to any type of outbreaks.
Maybe I can also talk a little bit about the flu season, because from the
recent viral study in our clinics and also hospitals, the influenza virus
seems to come down slowly already. So, we expect the flu season is going to
be over very soon. But once one disease season is over, usually there would
be another virus that would come in. So, another virus that we see a
slightly increase is RSV also involving young children. I would like to also
appeal to parents, schools and the public to note that it is important to
note the health status of your children if they are distressed with fever or
any symptoms, the best thing is to take them to see the doctor and do not
actually force them to go to school. And also if they have any symptoms at
schools, it is better to take them home and take their rest.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, March 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:23
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