Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Six vials of Botulism
Antitoxin Heptavalent (BAT) sent from Switzerland by the
(WHO) as emergency aid arrived in on May 24 evening to treat
patients poisoned with botulinum.
The under the
Ministry of Health said botulism is a serious illness caused by clostridium
botulinum, a poisonous substance in the bacteria found in badly preserved food.
It rarely occurs around the world and in Vietnam.
As such, the supply of BAT is also limited
worldwide, the administration said, adding that the price of this antitoxin is
sky-high, and BAT is not listed among the medicines covered by the health
insurance fund.
Since 2020, Vietnam has reported a few cases of
botulism poisoning, with three recorded in HCM City most recently.
On May 23, the administration had a working session
with the WHO Office in Hanoi, asking for the organisation’s help with antitoxin
supply.
The Ministry of Health said the Prime Minister has
agreed with its proposal on building a mechanism to ensure the availability of
scarce drugs and those with limited supply./.
Source: VietnamPlus
