The death of Dr. Carlo Urbani, the WHO investigator whom I remembered was once the president of Medicine Sans Frontiers, alerted the whole world to this dreadful infectious illness, SARS. The WHO will even name the Corona virus isolated in Vietnam as C. Urbani. He has stamped his name forever in history.
The spirit of self sacrifice to save others shown by the medical personnel in Hong Kong can definitely compare to that of Dr. Urbani. Already we have several public medical personnel who have perished in active duty, vivid examples include Dr. Tse Yuen Man, Nurse Officer Mr. Lau Wing Kai of Tuen Mun Hospital and Ms. Tang Heung May of United Christian Hospital. The stories of their brave deeds against SARS have been extensively reported in the media and have won the applause of the general public. This gives tremendous encouragement for the rest of the frontline medical workers who endure dutifully putting up with blames and hard work.
A colleague in the private sector, like Dr. Tse, had unfortunately contracted SARS and died over a month ago. In case some may have forgotten, he is the late Dr. James Lau Tai Kwan who in fact was the first doctor in Hong Kong to lose his precious life after contracting SARS at work. Dr. Lau was a paediatrician like myself and he was a straight forward person who bravely took on challenges. He is an example to us all.
SARS is a syndrome the diagnosis of which up till now rests mainly on clinical symptoms and signs. SARS's early symptoms of fever, cough, rhinorrhoea, diarrhoea etc can be no different from those of other diseases. It is because of this that we doctors in the community must be on the highest alert and ensure the best protective measures are employed to protect ourselves and citizens. We should work together to fulfill the Hygiene Charter and reinforce protection for clinics. For example doctors and nurses at work should wear masks, gloves, protective gowns etc. while after contact with patients, wash hands with liquid soap and change gloves, and use specially designed protective torches in throat examinations. Everyday we should clean the clinic using appropriately diluted bleach solution, while all instruments and equipment after use should be carefully autoclaved or chemically disinfected. Reinforce the cleaning of air-conditioners and vacuum extractor fans to ensure free air flow in clinics. (Please refer to insert for Hygiene Charter on section concerning healthcare workers).
Waiting time can be minimized if patients cooperate by phoning for appointments and be punctual. To reduce chances of cross infection, patients should inform us beforehand by telephone if they have been to hospitals or affected areas or in contact with SARS patients so that separate arrangement can be made.
Private practitioners are exposed to no less risk than medical colleagues in other posts. Some protective gear was once a scarce commodity because of mass panic buying and hoarding by large organizations. The average citizen has limited means for spending in the current economic depression. Though costs went up as protective gear have to be purchased, I am heartened by colleaguesˇ¦ restrain from putting up charges and many even give masks free to patients and families for protection while some see chronic patients for free.
The Hospital Authority has been established for over ten years and her achievement in hospital functioning and management is self evident. Undoubtedly Hong Kong hospitalsˇ¦ equipment and staff are first class in the world but with the outbreak of SARS, Hong Kong is the worst hit city. Neighbouring Vietnam and Philippines had already got their travel alert status lifted long time ago. Why Hong Kong was not able until ten days ago?
The present outbreak of SARS has put Hong Kongˇ¦s healthcare system to the most stringent test. As President of the Doctors Union I cannot help feeling citizens, the media and even the government over the past ten years seem to have gradually and unknowingly forgotten that family doctors are the cornerstone in the entire healthcare system. The appearance, spread and eradication of any illness is inseparable from the community. Without the gate keeping of primary health care, a single battle of SARS could have all societyˇ¦s investments in past years completely evaporated and our public healthcare system almost totally paralysed.
Fortunately we have still a group of fine medical personnel who steadfastly toil away quietly without seeking reward. Once more I am calling colleagues and the public at large to adhere strictly to the Hygiene Charter and not to slacken but to be steadfast and, with one heart together, to fight this protracted war, to drive away this virus and work hard for the better future of Hong Kong.
Dr. Yeung Chiu Fat Henry
President's Message June 2003 (English)-2/email02