KUCHING: Operators of privately-run hospitals and clinics have been urged to adhere to guidelines on the handling of patients bitten by animals amidst the ongoing rabies outbreak in the state.
Sarawak’s Natural Disaster Management Committee secretariat said private clinics and hospitals must refer animal bite cases to facilities operated by the Health Ministry, as per standard operating procedure.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the secretariat said the move is to allow patients to receive treatment or anti-rabies vaccination (not available at private facilities) if necessary, thus reducing the risk of them being infected by the virus.
“Beginning today, the Sarawak Health Department will issue a notice to remind private hospitals and clinics to immediately refer cases of people bitten by dogs and other animals to the health authorities for further checks and treatment.
“The department will also issue a warning letter against a clinic which had failed to follow guidelines,” it said.
The secretariat was referring to the case of a 59-year-old man from Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang, who on Saturday was announced as the seventh victim to contract rabies in the ongoing outbreak.
It was reported that the man was bitten by a dog at his residential area on Nov 27 last year, and had sought treatment from a private clinic on the same day.
However, his case was not referred to any government-run health clinic or hospital.
The man began developing body aches and weakness in both legs, before he was warded at a private hospital on Jan 24. His case was referred to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) the following day.