Anti-flu drug distributed to hospitals nationwide

BANGKOK, July 28 (TNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has distributed anti-viral Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) capsules to government hospitals across the country, and is considering providing the medication to private medical facilities.
 
The ministry is awaiting the resolution of its sub-committee on public health and medical strategies to decide whether or not to supply Oseltamivir to private clinics on the condition that drug resistance must be considered, according to Ministry of Public Health Witthaya Kaewparadai.
 
It is expected that Thailand will be among the countries receiving vaccines against Influenza A (H1N1) from international producers in December, he added.
 
Meanwhile, Education Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said the ministry has no additional measures against the spread of the new flu after its earlier measure to close tutorial schools for 15 days was completed.
 
However, tutorial schools were asked to screen students before entering classes in the same manner implemented in state and private schools. If students have flu-like symptoms, Mr Julin said, they will be asked to return home or rest in a separate room, in effect an on-premises quarantine.
 
The ministry has no policy to close entire schools in affected provinces, but it gives the authority to school administrators to make the decision to close schools themselves, the education minister said.
 
So far, there are 371 student cases infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) across the country and 183 schools closed to prevent the spread of the virus. (TNA)