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  Straits Times 10 Mar 07
Is Singapore ready if bird flu breaks out here?
Letter from Kelvin Kwan Chee Hong

I AM concerned about Singapore's readiness should avian flu break out here. While we had been successful in containing the Sars outbreak, there is no certainty that we will succeed with bird flu.

From all indications, the only approved medication is Tamiflu. However, there have been various reports about death caused by taking this drug. I hope the heath authorities will shed light on our readiness in the event of an outbreak, and its stand on Tamiflu.

Has there been any death linked to the consumption of this drug here? What precautions are required for the sale and consumption of this drug? How much of this drug has been stockpiled in Singapore? If the effectiveness of Tamiflu is uncertain and it has indeed been linked to deaths, should not a more preventive approach be taken?

During the Sars outbreak the people had to fill in forms at immigration points to allow tracing of carriers. Should we not re-introduce all the precautionary measures we implemented during the Sars outbreak now?

There is a need for more education and communication on this potential epidemic by the health authorities.
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