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SFH on drug and hand, foot and mouth disease
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     Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session after attending a public function today (March 30):

Reporter: (progress on the review of drug management)

Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding the review process of the drug management, the Department of Health has already gone through the inspection of 25 local manufacturers, they did not find anything that is serious, apart from what has already been reported.  So, it is important to note that everyone is strengthening their control both internally as well as externally.  Secondly, the Hospital Authority has also gone through the internal audit of all their drugs and consumables.  So, they would report any discrepancy or irregularity.  As far as I can foresee, with the strengthening of this process, there would be continuous reporting of any particular incident, particularly with human error involved in the future.  But it is important for every party to respond timely, to resolve any issue regarding the drug problem, and also to report to the public to let them know about the risk of handling drugs so that they know the risk involved in healthcare.

     Regarding the hand, foot and mouth disease in China, I think from the report we have received from the Ministry of Health it is mainly located in the northern provinces like Shandong and Henan.  It has now more than 40,000 patients with more than 10 mortalities.  This type of disease is usually quite contagious for young children, particularly for schools and institutes.  In Hong Kong, we have every now and then reports of this kind as well.  But so far, I think we are still within the so-called limits we have been in the past years.  I think that with the increase of hygiene and also the vigilance of and sensitivity of our schools, our healthcare system now is responding very timely to any type of outbreaks.

     Maybe I can also talk a little bit about the flu season, because from the recent viral study in our clinics and also hospitals, the influenza virus seems to come down slowly already.  So, we expect the flu season is going to be over very soon.  But once one disease season is over, usually there would be another virus that would come in.  So, another virus that we see a slightly increase is RSV also involving young children.  I would like to also appeal to parents, schools and the public to note that it is important to note the health status of your children if they are distressed with fever or any symptoms, the best thing is to take them to see the doctor and do not actually force them to go to school.  And also if they have any symptoms at schools, it is better to take them home and take their rest.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Monday, March 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:23

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