Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.arabtimesonline.com/kuwaitnews/pagesdetails.asp?nid=21642&ccid=9
Experts warn on possibility of ?TB? outbreak in the country
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 31: Medical experts have warned on the possibility of a tuberculosis outbreak in the country after noticing an alarming increase in the number of patients suffering from this disease, reliable sources told Al-Dar daily. Dr Mubarak Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Respiratory System Unit in Adan Hospital, confirmed there are 50 patients inflicted with the disease, including six Kuwaitis. He called on the authorities to closely examine the medical histories of people entering the country and take the necessary precautionary measures to protect the health of citizens and residents. He said Asian domestic servants are possible carriers of the disease as they have direct contact with citizens suffering from tuberculosis, who opted to continue treatments at home.
Meanwhile, MP Saleh Ashour has forwarded questions to Health Minister Ali Al-Barrak on the issue, who promised to come up with the answers in the next few days. He cited the heavy presence of marginal workers in the country and absence of a mechanism requiring expatriate laborers to undergo a thorough medical check up before renewing their residencies as some of the factors that contributed to the sudden spread of tuberculosis in Kuwait. Agreeing with Ashour, General Secretary National Assembly Roudhan Al-Roudhan urged Al-Barrak to thoroughly investigate the issue and take the necessary preventive steps to protect the citizens and residents. MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash has echoed that the Ministry of Health needs dedicated and patriotic officials that are capable of rescuing the falling standard of health services and the image of the ministry, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Dr Al-Harbash linked the problem confronting the ministry to certain disgruntled officials who according to his observation have corrupted the system for far too long, saying ?this accounts for the ministry?s inability to deliver expected medical services to satisfaction. He asserted that the ministry has failed to improve the health needs of the people as well as healthcare services, saying ridding the ministry of a personality for the sake of reform is a brave step that former ministers could not venture into and the positive effects of such an action may take time before it is realized, but it is not enough until all corrupt officials are fished out and disciplined accordingly. The lawmaker said the entire citizenry will appreciate any attempt to expose and bring these corrupt officials to justice. He compared a minister that wages war against corruption in the ministry to a fantasy, but it?s possible to succeed with full determination, he added. ?The threat of grilling that the minister is facing is due to his ability to step on VIP toes that have been corrupting the ministry for a long time. He only needs to complement efforts of the judiciary if those violators are brought to book, but if otherwise it will be obvious that the officials in charge are also guilty of complicity in the corrupt practices,? he insisted.
Experts warn on possibility of ?TB? outbreak in the country
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 31: Medical experts have warned on the possibility of a tuberculosis outbreak in the country after noticing an alarming increase in the number of patients suffering from this disease, reliable sources told Al-Dar daily. Dr Mubarak Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Respiratory System Unit in Adan Hospital, confirmed there are 50 patients inflicted with the disease, including six Kuwaitis. He called on the authorities to closely examine the medical histories of people entering the country and take the necessary precautionary measures to protect the health of citizens and residents. He said Asian domestic servants are possible carriers of the disease as they have direct contact with citizens suffering from tuberculosis, who opted to continue treatments at home.
Meanwhile, MP Saleh Ashour has forwarded questions to Health Minister Ali Al-Barrak on the issue, who promised to come up with the answers in the next few days. He cited the heavy presence of marginal workers in the country and absence of a mechanism requiring expatriate laborers to undergo a thorough medical check up before renewing their residencies as some of the factors that contributed to the sudden spread of tuberculosis in Kuwait. Agreeing with Ashour, General Secretary National Assembly Roudhan Al-Roudhan urged Al-Barrak to thoroughly investigate the issue and take the necessary preventive steps to protect the citizens and residents. MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash has echoed that the Ministry of Health needs dedicated and patriotic officials that are capable of rescuing the falling standard of health services and the image of the ministry, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Dr Al-Harbash linked the problem confronting the ministry to certain disgruntled officials who according to his observation have corrupted the system for far too long, saying ?this accounts for the ministry?s inability to deliver expected medical services to satisfaction. He asserted that the ministry has failed to improve the health needs of the people as well as healthcare services, saying ridding the ministry of a personality for the sake of reform is a brave step that former ministers could not venture into and the positive effects of such an action may take time before it is realized, but it is not enough until all corrupt officials are fished out and disciplined accordingly. The lawmaker said the entire citizenry will appreciate any attempt to expose and bring these corrupt officials to justice. He compared a minister that wages war against corruption in the ministry to a fantasy, but it?s possible to succeed with full determination, he added. ?The threat of grilling that the minister is facing is due to his ability to step on VIP toes that have been corrupting the ministry for a long time. He only needs to complement efforts of the judiciary if those violators are brought to book, but if otherwise it will be obvious that the officials in charge are also guilty of complicity in the corrupt practices,? he insisted.