Prevention is Better than Cure – Health Minister

The Sun – Nov 22

Docs’ failure to follow dengue treatment guidelines leads to higher cases

Doctors’ failure to follow Health Ministry guidelines in detecting dengue is one reason for the high number of severe and deadly cases. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is dismayed that some medical practitioners do not refer to the Management of Dengue Infection in Adults Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) when treating patients with symptoms of the disease.

“If doctors don’t know how to detect it early, the death rate will go up,” he said after opening the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)-Ministry of Health Infectious Diseases Conference. He also announced two more deaths – in Sandakan and Tawau – yesterday, bringing the toll to 125.

We all know and the statistic shows that dengue cases are on the rise. We wait until the patient is admitted to the hospital with dengue fever by then it will be too late. 

42,659 cases YTD November 2010 an increase of 18% over last year …  this is a huge increase and death toll stands at 125 compared to 77 in 2009, an increase of 62%. 

Mr. Health Minister this figures are not good – 62% increase in death toll – even the stock market does not show such a huge jump. 

Are we looking at the Guinness Book of World Record or one of those Malaysia Boleh Campaign? 

What are we waiting for?  More people to DIE? Visiting the doctor is the last resort.  We need to tackle the problem at the bud.

There is an old saying “prevention is better than cure” which I feel is lacking in tackling the dengue issue.  It has to be on going affair – for example clear clogged drains, empty containers, and potholes.  Your Ministry is far more knowledgeable in addressing this issue than an Idiot like me. 

Fine the culprits – keep the fine HIGH. Work with the relevant Ministries and Departments. 

I should not be telling you how to do your job RIGHT … I presume you being appointed as Minister of Health you are the RIGHT man for the job.

We always pass the buck around …. it’s HIGH time this stops and get things done.