Traditional Medicine Option in Some Cases

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Traditional Medicine Option in Some Cases


The Hospital Authority in Hong Kong should treat atypical pneumonia patients who do not respond positively to the two special drugs with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a medical academic suggested yesterday.

The suggestion came from P.C. Leung, chairman of the Management Committee of the Institute of Chinese Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Leung was satisfied that Ribavirin and steroids are effective in the majority of atypical pneumonia patients, but TCM should be applied to those who did not react positively to the special drugs. He felt helpless as there is no mechanism for TCM practitioners to co-operate with doctors.

In association with a pharmaceutical manufacturer, Leung has researched and developed an anti-viral tonic on the basis of two classic herbal formulas.

The preventative tonic is ready for consumption once diluted in water. A total of 50,000 sachets will be produced by end of this month for distribution to the public.

Responding to the call for the use of TCM for atypical pneumonia patients, Dr. Liu Shao-haei, a senior manager at the Hospital Authority, said they adopted an open attitude to any options that could cure patients.

He added that a number of factors, such as the willingness, condition of the patients, and treatment protocols prescribed by medical officers in charge, would be considered.

Meanwhile, secondary three and higher students will return to schools tomorrow after a three-week break, but at least 10 schools will defer the re-opening date.

Secretary for Education & Manpower Arthur Li acknowledged that the decisions were made by these schools as most are located in the disease-ridden Ngau Tau Kok and Tai Po.

As announced by the Department of Health, 12 more buildings are said to have residents confirmed as atypical pneumonia patients hospitalized for treatment.

The total number is 119, with Tai Po, Shatin and Kwun Tong being the "heavy toll zone" with 21, 18 and 13 buildings respectively.

Director of Health Margaret Chan said the reason for the large number of buildings in Tai Po could be due to infections of health-care workers at Nethersole Hospital and some residents in that district.

She vowed to keep a close eye on Tai Po but so far no circumstantial factors similar to those that triggered a massive outbreak at Amoy Gardens had been detected.

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miraculous hands
Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 7:38 pm