Panel set up to fight bird flu

Star: A national avian flu committee has been set up to take measures such as stocking up on anti-viral medication, vaccination and protective gear to tackle a possible outbreak of the disease.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said some RM500mil would be needed for the necessary medicines and gear.
Among the medicines needed are Tamiflu tablets for the patients and Fluarix vaccine for medical staff coming into contact with patients.
“In the event of an outbreak, we will normally need a stockpile of medicines to cover 20% to 30% of the population but the cost involved is very high and this will need the Cabinet approval,” Dr Chua said after opening the Seventh Asian Congress of Dermatology.
He said while the ministry has enough protective gear for its staff, it had to train more personnel to handle patients with symptoms of the virus.
He said hospitals and clinics should alert the committee of any suspected cases of avian flu and treat the patients in isolation.
Dr Chua said the Cabinet has directed his ministry to work with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry to prevent the avian flu from spreading here.
The Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry would monitor birds that are reared for consumption or as pets while the Health Ministry would focus on poultry farmers and chicken sellers, who come into contact with the birds daily.
He said the Institute for Medical Research, Public Health Laboratory at Sungai Buloh and Universiti Malaya would be involved in carrying out research work on the disease.
“I will meet Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin next Thursday to finalise the scope and duties of the committee,” said Dr Chua, adding that surveillance would be carried out at all levels.