Kyrgyzstan. Influenza hysteria – pharmacists’ high-day

At least 38 A/H1N1 cases were registered in the country over the last week, the Kyrgyz Health Care Ministry said. Almost half of the patients are reportedly getting better, while the rest are under medical observation.

Having passed tens of Bishkek drug stores by on November 9, 2009, journalists of the news agency 24.kg stated - pharmacists have noting to offer their clients, except hugely expensive medicines. Drug stores lacked protective masks which were to be delivered any day. A week later reporters decided to monitor changes in the situation. And it grew worse along with increased panic among population.

November 15, central drug store at the Abdrahmanova-Moskovsakya Streets’ crossing. The store is overcrowded and three pharmacists have no time to serve all the visitors. “Yes, we have protective masks for 10 and 12 soms,” a woman answered a client. Several days ago they cost not more than five soms. It means the prices have increased two times.

Due to lack of affordable antiviral drugs, people buy up Arbidol for 500-600 soms.

In the next drug store pharmacists offer Anaferon for 220 soms. “Take it, there are only three packages left,” they advice and Kyrgyzstanis buy.

The twenty-four-hour drug store’s call center employees complain of endless calls. People demand low-priced drugs but there is not any in Bishkek.

Medics of Bishkek emergency call service had the hardest times. People in panic called to the emergency service the whole weekend. As to a senior physician on call, the service has received about 846 calls on November 15-16 when a regular average usually makes 500.

According to information of the news agency 24.kg, Sabirjan Abdikarimov, Assistant Health Care Minister and Chief Sanitary Officer of the republic gathered chiefs of all Bishkek medical institutions, including family practice groups and the Obligatory Health Insurance Fund, on November 13 and ordered the officials to work all the weekend to avoid panic among population. Abdikarimov also charged them with setting up hotlines in order citizens could consult specialists in case of suspicious or typical symptoms. Bishkek medical chiefs have failed the task as none of the hotlines answered.

Tajikan Kalimbetova the Vice Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, who executes control over social sphere, organizes emergency session of medical officials devoted to swine flu panics and complete inaction of responsible officials.

Strange but for some reasons the vice premier holds the session behind closed for the press doors…