Private doctors called to take action on dengue

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Private doctors, whether in hospitals or clinics, will toe the line and report all suspected and confirmed dengue cases to the Health Ministry.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) has directed all private medical practitioners nationwide to report confirmed and suspected dengue cases immediately.
The National Association for Private Medical Practitioners also informed doctors that even in situations where clinical diagnosis was uncertain, they should send all patients to the nearest government hospital or healthcare facility for further tests.
"This is best so that doctors will not be exposed to the severe consequences in the form of a fine, jail term and or the possibility of lawsuits," said FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow.
He said in the early stages of dengue, clinical signs and symptoms were similar to most viral infections, and that specific blood tests (for the disease) did not become positive until after the second or third day of the illness in the majority of cases.
Dr Chow also pointed out that in some cases, the disease would progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or even to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which was unpredictable and could occur even in patients who were hospitalised and on standard treatment protocols.
"DHF and DSS are very severe disease states. The DSS has a high mortality rate of up to 20 per cent even when treated in the best medical centres."
Dr Chow said the FPMPAM viewed seriously the worsening state of the dengue epidemic in the country, as confirmed by the ministry.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said they were also concerned about the rise in dengue cases and deaths, and had always cooperated with health authorities to contain the problem.
On Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican's call for private clinic and hospital doctors to notify suspected dengue cases to the ministry, Dr Thomas said members told him they had always complied with this.
He said some private hospitals also worked with state Health Department directors to conduct joint dengue awareness campaigns and exhibitions and distribute leaflets to the public.
Dr Thomas also said private hospitals were cooperating with the ministry on the influenza A (H1N1) issue by alerting health authorities of any suspected cases.