Brunei's Health Minister Takes A Closer Look At Battle Against Sars

Kuala Belait - Even though the sultanate is free from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), the Health Ministry continues to monitor the Sars development in taking extra preventive and precautionary measures.

The Health Minister Pehin Dato Awang Haji Abu Bakar therefore visited the Belait District yesterday to monitor preparations mounted in keeping the mystery disease Sars out of Brunei.

Pehin Abu Bakar and delegations first visited the Immigration and Customs Control Post at Sungai Tujoh, which is a main gateway of visitors to Brunei from Sarawak and elsewhere.

During the visit, Pehin Abu Bakar saw part of the precautionary measures taken and observed preparations in checking people visiting the sultanate by land.

The minister and entourage also visited the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital and had a closer look at the reception desk, as it was the front line, as it would scrutinise any possible signs of the disease in the Belait District.

The hospital is providing a treatment room and several isolated wards for possible Sars patients. Pehin Abu Bakar was also briefed on the use of masks.

The minister was in full appreciation of the magnitude of the Sars challenge and said the Health Ministry would continue to maintain close watch including reviewing all measures implemented in tandem with currently available information to prevent the spread of Sars outbreak in the sultanate.

The Sars virus, which is believed to have originated from the Chinese province of Guangdong has now affected 3,000 people worldwide.

There was also a press conference with government agencies chaired by the Permanent Secretary at the Health Ministry Dato Haji Zainal.

The death toll from Sars has risen to over 100. In Singapore alone, nine people died and there have been 115 reported cases. While in Hong Kong, Sars has claimed 25 lives.

In the afternoon, Pehin Abu Bakar and party visited the health clinics in Seria and Sungai Liang and the health centre in Talisai, Tutong.

The trip was to ensure that the precautionary measures in handling any possibility of the outbreak of Sars in the sultanate are sufficient.

Brudirect.com