There is an urgent need for the Health
Ministry to relocate its workers to states with serious dengue epidemic
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur,
Monday):
Malaysia had dengue epidemic in 1998 with over 27,000 cases and 57 deaths.
In 2002, the epidemic recurred with over 32,000 cases and over 70 deaths.
Hitherto, we don’t know the actual statistics. There is a difference between
notified and confirmed cases. For example, in 2002, there were over 6,000
notified cases and over 2,000 confirmed and two deaths with over 10
unconfirmed fatalities in Kuala Lumpur. Similarly, between 2 to 8 February,
2003, there were 87 notified cases in KL with 24 positive.
The Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng insists on withholding the figures
on dengue cases and deaths. Instead, he prefers to talk about having
immunization against influenza that has been reported in South China. It is
correct for those who travel to China to have such type of immunization.
As we don’t have any immunization or cure against dengue, we hope that the
Health Minister announces the truth and the effective measures against
dengue in Malaysia. Let us cooperate.
The Health Ministry is responsible for controlling the dengue epidemic. All
local authorities must help. But then, most cases occur in Selangor (over
9,000 notified cases with 15 deaths in 2002) , Kuala Lumpur (over 6,000
notifed with 2 deaths) , Johore (0ver 4.000 notifed with 16 deaths) and
Perak (over 3,000 notified with 10 deaths) in that order.
Even in Selangor, there are areas such as Selayang and Shah Alam that have
higher incidence of dengue. In KL, Setapak and Wangsa Maju top the list.
Heath workers from local authorities can hardly cope with the epidemic. As
the Health Ministry has established its Health Departments in virtually all
states and it has more people, it should send more workers to red-hot areas
such as Selayang or Setapak.
The Health Minister should review the deployment of his health workers in
the anti-dengue campaign. We need more than a silent campaign.
(17/2/2003)
*
Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong
|
http://dapmalaysia.org