More Hospitals To Be Dedicated For Bird Flu, Says Chua

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will increase the number of hospitals dedicated for treating the bird flu or the Avian Influenza (AI) from the 21 hospitals available currently.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said between 15 to 20 more hospitals all over the country would be added to the list.
However, he said, among the hospitals under consideration are the Putrajaya, Serdang, Sungai Buloh and Klang hospitals.
"Definitely there were calls that we increase the number of hospitals from the 21 earmarked, to accomodate bird flu victims.
"We have to look into this carefully, if necessary in the districts with big hospitals. At the same time, only state level hospitals," he told reporters after the briefing and the launch of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan-NIPPP at the ministry here.
The briefing on NIPPP by officials of the Ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry was meant for the foreign diplomats and the international trade organisations' representatives here.
The briefing was to show Malaysia's preparedness in tackling the pandemic, if it occurs here.
Chua said the increase in the number of dedicated hospitals entails additional allocation that is yet to be decided.
"Right now, the government has provided us RM60.4 million, that is for the avian and tamiflu vaccine stockpile, equipments, upgrading of hospitals, training, research and communication," he said.
Chua also noted that up to now Malaysia is free from AI but there was no solid evidence showing AI could spread among humans.
"Until that potential is realised, the risk of transmission is still not that high. So, we should not over react by pressing the panic button," said Chua.
A simulation exercise, another step to keep in check the state of preparedness is on the cards to test whether the medical teams can respond according to the steps outlined in the prepared document.