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Call On The Government To Present The Report On The Inquiry Of The HIV Homemaker As A White Paper In Parliament.
Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the Cabinet apology over an incident in which a 47-year-old homemaker was given HIV-tainted blood last month on 18 May 2000

 
Last month, a 47-year-old homemaker had treatment for her period pain at the Jitra Hospital, Kedah, Malaysia. She was transfused with HIV-tainted blood. Yesterday, she decided to reveal her name, Bashah Mustaffa. The Malaysian Cabinet apologises to her.

The report on the full inquiry over the incident should be presented as a white paper to be debated in Parliament. Let us know the truth and find the ways to prevent a recurrence.

The HIV homemaker has sued the authorities for compensation of RM100 million.

Yesterday, the Cabinet has directed the health authorities to extend assistance to her and her family. The Acting Health Minister Datuk Fong Chan Onn, who is Human Resources Minister, said that two employees at the Alor Star and Jitra blood banks had been redesignated to other sections, pending the outcomes of the investigations.

Health Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Ismail Adam, who was with Datuk Fong, stated that directive had been issued to all state health authorities strictly to abide by the standard operating procedures on blood donation, screening and administration to patients.

"The ministry has been told to review all facilities available at government hospitals, especially at blood banks, and that disciplinary action should be taken against irresponsible medical staff," he added.

Strict procedures should also be practised at all private hosptials and clinics which use blood products.


We understand that even in advanced countries using modern equipment mistakes still occur. To err is human. How do we ensure that human errors can be checked and double-checked? The HIV victim suffers.

We have to keep updating screening procedures and supervisory measures.

Hitherto, The Government has scarcely done enough to pick quality people for the various jobs. It is more a matter of jobs for the boys. All government departments should let him who knows the instrument play upon it. Theoretically, the Government always say they have criteria for selection. Practically, it is doubtful.

Similarly, in theory, there is a constitutional freedom of expression and freedom of the press. In reality, only Internet can witness more freedom. The print and broadcast media have self-censorship. For example, this statement is based on reasons. How many print and broadcast media can carry it?

As the HIV homemaker has decided to reveal her identity since 17 May 2000, the Government should take the cue by making the full investigations open and transparent. Once the investigations are completed, the Government should present the report with sufficient accountability such as in the form of a white paper to be debated in Parliament. What is there to hide?

Previous inquiries such as the report on the viral encephalitis epidemic in May last year were not fully made public. The governmental explanations were unconvincing.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw

 

 
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