Welsh GP Backs Anti Tamiflu Stance

Wed, 26 Aug 2009
A leading GP has stated that there is no need for Wales to sign up to England’s national pandemic flu service .

Dr David Bailey asserted that Wales is "more than adequately prepared" to handle swine flu .

His comments follow widespread criticism of England’s pandemic flu service, especially its policy of dishing out antiviral medicine Tamiflu .

Last week the World Health Organisation stated that Tamiflu ought not to be given to healthy adults, in agreement with Wales’ policy on the use of antivirals .

Dr Bailey, chairman of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee, said: "BMA Cymru Wales completely supports Wales’ chief medical officer and the Welsh Assembly Government in their decision to opt out of the national pandemic flu service."

The general concensus is for diabetics and others with chronic conditions to take the Tamiflu antiviral .

He added that he considered patients prefer diagnoses of any illnesses they may have by a clinician not a call centre.

He continued to say that GPs in Wales are sufficiently able and equipped to manage swine flu. They have all had to work harder in the last few weeks. However, they have proved that they are able to handle the swine flu situation and provide exceedingly good levels of patient care .

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