Eradicating misconceptions

Certain diseases are dreaded by society as a whole. The stigma attached to these diseases is ingrained in society and it is very hard to eradicate such feelings. However, these fears are almost always misplaced.

There are a lot of misconceptions about diseases such as HIV/AIDS and leprosy. Many think that even touching an AIDS patient will lead to infection. Cancer is another disease about which there are many misconceptions. There is a belief that every type of cancer is incurable. Thus many people tend to shun individuals with cancer. The truth is that not every type of cancer is always terminal and some cancer patients recover to lead normal lives.

The Cancer Hospital in Maharagama is rendering a yeoman service to cancer patients in Sri Lanka, using the latest technology and treatment methods rivalling those of private hospitals. It is, without any doubt, one of the best such facilities in South Asia.

Yet, many people have told authorities that they feel uncomfortable with the word 'cancer' in the name Maharagama Cancer Hospital, especially in the vernacular. Pilika in Sinhalese is indeed a much dreaded word. Thus the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry plans to re-name the Maharagama Cancer Hospital without the word `cancer' as requested by a large number of individuals, organisations and clergy.

The idea is that the present name of the cancer hospital should be replaced with a suitable name excluding the word 'cancer' (Pilika). Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has already informed several professors of the Sinhala language to find another suitable Sinhala word for Pilika to re-name the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. The English name of the hospital is likely to remain as it is.

We are certain that the learned professors would come up with a suitable name that might remove the stigma associated with the word Pilika. While one cannot find fault with the rationale behind this decision, it would be far better to educate the public on the services rendered by and facilities available at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital as an initial move. It would also be wise to enlighten the public about various types of cancers and how advances in medical science have enabled doctors to treat cancers successfully. The focus should be on removing the stigma and revulsion associated with ailments such as cancer. The Health Ministry and the media should work closely together to achieve this goal.

Health challenges

Health-wise, Sri Lanka is leading the region with commendable indices for all aspects of health. In fact, many of our health indices are on par with those of the developed world. This is a major achievement.

But Sri Lanka faced several major health challenges this year. Dengue almost reached epidemic proportions, swine flu was detected and rat fever (Leptospirosis) is on the rise. The danger posed by the latter can rise with the onset of the rainy season, according to the Epidemiology Unit of the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry. This year 3,370 cases have been reported so far, with 118 deaths from the fatal form of the disease sometimes called Weil's Syndrome.

The public will have to be vigilant about this disease in the coming rainy season. Although the disease is not waterborne per se, the urine of infected animals such as rats (it is not the only animal that can potentially carry the disease despite the common name) often contaminates water in paddy lands, drains and marshy areas. Those who wade through or work in such environment face the risk of getting the disease. Farmers are especially vulnerable.

Prevention is always better than cure and rat fever is no exception. Keeping the environment clean is the safest way to ensure that diseases such as rat fever and dengue do not gain a foothold. Farmers and others who have to work in potentially contaminated water should also take certain precautions such as donning protective wear if and when possible. Children should be instructed not to play in paddy lands or marshy lands. Drinking water should be boiled. There is no vaccine for the disease yet - another reason why attention should be focused on prevention.

Antibiotics such as Doxycycline are the preferred method of medical prevention and treatment. Those who think they have been infected and/or show symptoms associated with the disease should immediately meet their Public Health Inspector or Government Medical Officer. There is no need to come down to Colombo to seek treatment - the Government has sent over five million Doxycycline tablets to State hospitals located in high risk areas.

The disease can be completely cured if medical treatment is given on time but it may not be possible in the advanced stage. The public should be educated extensively on this disease through the media to avoid deaths.