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Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=122683
Alarm over flu pill: Tamiflu sold without doctor's prescription
Monday, June 01, 2009
THE Ministry of Health has raised concern at the use of the Influenza A H1N1 vaccine, Tamiflu, by people without a prescription.
Health Ministry spokesman Iliesa Tora said H1N1 was not in the country at this stage and people must not panic and use Tamiflu unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.
"Tamilfu is a prescription drug and should not be sold off the chemist desks without it being prescribed because it does have side-effects that can be bad for those who take it without medical advise," he said.
Mr Tora called on people to adhere to precautions given by the ministry.
The ministry had also said quarantine of cruise liners and ships that come into the country was an option and something which it would have to look at seriously.
Pacific Agencies Fiji Limited national operations manager Bradley Bower said all vessels are required to report cases of passengers with symptoms of the flu virus.
Mr Bower said the ministry's inspection officers would board every vessel.
He said for cruise vessel, each ship was equipped with medical facilities and staff for its passengers and crew.
"Each senior medical officer is required to report the ship's medical status before arriving at any port. The vessel clearance will be assessed and issued accordingly by health authorities. If there is any risk, the vessel will not be allowed entry," he said.
Mr Bower said as agent of the ships, the company would ensure that national regulations are followed.
Alarm over flu pill: Tamiflu sold without doctor's prescription
Monday, June 01, 2009
THE Ministry of Health has raised concern at the use of the Influenza A H1N1 vaccine, Tamiflu, by people without a prescription.
Health Ministry spokesman Iliesa Tora said H1N1 was not in the country at this stage and people must not panic and use Tamiflu unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.
"Tamilfu is a prescription drug and should not be sold off the chemist desks without it being prescribed because it does have side-effects that can be bad for those who take it without medical advise," he said.
Mr Tora called on people to adhere to precautions given by the ministry.
The ministry had also said quarantine of cruise liners and ships that come into the country was an option and something which it would have to look at seriously.
Pacific Agencies Fiji Limited national operations manager Bradley Bower said all vessels are required to report cases of passengers with symptoms of the flu virus.
Mr Bower said the ministry's inspection officers would board every vessel.
He said for cruise vessel, each ship was equipped with medical facilities and staff for its passengers and crew.
"Each senior medical officer is required to report the ship's medical status before arriving at any port. The vessel clearance will be assessed and issued accordingly by health authorities. If there is any risk, the vessel will not be allowed entry," he said.
Mr Bower said as agent of the ships, the company would ensure that national regulations are followed.