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| Sunday, 2 January 2005 |
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HSTUA calls for proper system by Shanika Sriyananda The Health Sector Trade Unions Alliance (HSTUA) proposed to the government to implement a proper system immediately to handover all medical drugs donated to be distributed among the regional offices of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) to avoid direct distribution of substandard and outdated drugs to displaced people in refugee camps. Direct distribution of drugs including antibiotics by donors to these people would put their lives in danger. "We advise the donors to hand over drug items to the MSD where the quality of the drugs is ensured", Saman Ratnapriya, HSTUA Co-ordinator said. The HSTUA has set up nine health camps in Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Ampara and Trincomalee and deployed over 100 health workers including nurses and doctors. " Two doctors are in each camp and the drugs that is given to these camps will be checked for quality before giving them to the patients", he said adding that health camps would be opened in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and Jaffna from January 5. According to HSTUA sources, though there is no serious threat, most of the displaced people suffer from skin irritation and persistent cough. "We are giving basic treatment for them but poor facilities with no clean water will aggravate the sickness", Ratnapriya added. Meanwhile, the HSTUA has proposed to the Prime Minister and the Health Minister to have a permanent health centre for each MOH area covering five refugee camps. According to Ratnapriya, there is a dire need of psychiatrists. Over 80,000 members of the HSTUA have decided to donate Rs. 2,500 salary increment in December to the Disaster Fund established by the government. Giving health advice and details of disease and 100,000 leaflets were distributed among the people in the camps from yesterday. |
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