We call on the Health Minister to improve the facilities for admission
of dengue patients to hospitals, in particular those hospitals caring for
the most affected areas
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur, Friday): As
dengue epidemic continues, more patients are seen in out-patients and some
are admitted to hospitals. When hospitals do not admit patients with
confirmed dengue, the public are concerned. For example, some complain
against Selayang Hospital for turning away patients. The Government should
investigate whether these complaints are true.
This year the Health Ministry spends RM701.9 million to manage hospitals,
RM108.3 million and RM211.7 million being for out-patients and in-patients
respectively. Patients do complain about the services. With dengue epidemic,
the Ministry must revamp the facilities to deal with the influx of patients.
That the Government chooses to conduct surreptitious campaign against the
epidemic does not help matter. It does not want the world to know of the
epidemic. Meanwhile, the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement of 114 nations
in Kuala Lumpur attracts media worldwide. We wish it a success especially in
its resolution to stop the United States from the war against Iraq. We also
hope that the Government conducts an effective anti-dengue campaign.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have the most cases of dengue, especially from
Selayang, Shah Alam, Setapak and Wangsa Maju. For instance, Kuala Lumpur
University Hospital has up to 30 patients on the wards with admissions of 5
to 10 cases per day. When hospitals are full of dengue patients, those in
better conditions may not be admitted.
Hospitals admit patients according to certain criteria. Each patient is
assessed clinically and the blood sent for tests that include serological
confirmation and platelets. The number of platelets is only one of the
pointers. Platelet count below 150,000 per microlitre (uL) is low. A count
of 50,000/uL or 60,000/uL is often quoted as a criterion for admission.
Doctors have to see whether the patients are ill including tendency to
bleed.
(21/2/2003)
* Tan Seng Giaw,
DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP fore Kepong
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