From Dr M. Spiteri

I refer to Marisa Micallef’s article “of spin doctors and real doctors” (TMIS, 28 January).

To set the record straight, the medical and allied professions such as nursing have, in the past, and will always be, faced with the potential threat of infection contracted from patients. Strict infection control regimens carried out in clinical environments minimise such risk.

Similarly, as happens in other occupations of a hazardous nature such as that of police or military personnel, risk assessment exercises are carried out to reduce the harm factor as much as possible, often enough by using varied means of protection. Unfortunately, as real doctors and real health professionals know, in direct patient contact a total 100 per cent risk- free situation is not achievable.

Specifically on HIV transmission, the main problems are when people indulge in unprotected sex, usually in a casual and multi-partner relationship or needle sharing among injecting drug users. HIV positive individuals can also be the highly desirable tourists who visit our island for some relaxation and basic hedonistic pleasure. Now would the so-called ‘real doctors’ delegating Ms Micallef as their spokesperson have us believe that it is solely the illegal arrivals on our shore who might be infected?

On the subject of extrapolation, may I ask how many of the million, plus or minus a few tens of thousands, legal arrivals annually we host in Malta are carriers of disease? Any suggestions, may I ask, to screen these visitors lest they infect our hospitality workers, or before any Maltese come to know more intimately any of these guests?

It is not a simple question of testing patients in hospitals to reduce the risk of infection to hospital staff. Using the basic precautionary principle, medical and nursing staff is trained to assume that all patients are to be considered as infected and hence take full precautions to avoid the risk of contracting any disease. The use of protective clothing such as disposable gloves and safety spectacles help safeguard against contact with infected body fluids. Needle accidents are the worst scenario and they do happen occasionally, just like plane crashes and other accidents. We take calculated risks and still travel by air much to the chagrin of the “doom and gloom” merchants!

Mario Spiteri

Director

Health Promotion Department