IFP agrees with detaining XDR-TB patients

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
DR RUTH RABINOWITZ MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH

January 24, 2007

Dr Ruth Rabinowitz, IFP spokesperson on Health, today said:

"It has always been legally permissible to quarantine patients suffering from infectious diseases that cannot be contained in the public domain. The Director General of the Department of Health (DoH) has already confirmed, before the health committee, that the practice is in force. The matter should not now be 'considered' by the health department, as stated by advisor Prof. Green Thomson."

Further, Dr Rabinowitz said:

"XDR-TB patients cannot be barrier nursed at home and must therefore be kept in special wards or hospitals where strict containment measures can be enforced.

Government in dragging it's feet, as it did with HIV, in drafting a clear protocol to improve testing for XDR-TB, prevent the spread of the disease and manage treatment."

In conclusion, Dr Rabinowitz said: "The disease is as lethal as the H5N1 strain of bird flu and it is irresponsible of the health minister not to treat it with greater urgency."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP: 082 579 3698
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848