I hope the authorities in control of the execution of the National Pandemic Preparedness Plan are aware that should Swine Flu come to Maldives they would need all clinicians and allied medical staff to be on the same wavelength to make the efforts effective.

The usual way of keeping the whole plan and its execution under a blanket and trying to get everything done on their own could be very damaging in case of real Pandemic.

I therefore urge the authorities to explain the components of the plan to everyone involved in delivery of healthcare in the country and make it absolutely certain that each persons knows exactly what his/her role is.

Let me end this post by adding information on Tamiflu; the drug being preferentially used in treating Flu. This information is provided by Roche on its Tamiflu website.

TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for flu prevention and treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older.

For Flu Treatment: Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days
For Flu Prevention: Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days

Dosage:

1-12 years: according to weight.

15Kg or less: 30mg per dose.

16Kg - 23Kg: 45mg per dose.

24Kg - 40Kg: 60mg per dose.

41Kg and above: 75mg per dose.

Adults and children above 13 years: 75mg per dose.

Available (Internationally) as:

Tablets: 30mg, 45mg, 75mg

Liquid suspension: 60mg/5ml

More info: http://www.rocheusa.com/products/tamiflu/pi.pdf