Medical consultations in health centers have increased

In Guayaquil, until July, 15.000 patients received medical care in several health subcenters  located in  different sectors of the city. During the month of August this figure increased by 30%, since 19. 204 received medical care in the same subcenters.

The increase is due to the prohibition to sell anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, cough and flu medicines, unless the patient presents a medical prescription, measurement adopted by the Ministry of health to prevent AH1N1 deaths, since taking non-prescribed medication for the condition is a direct consequence.

Roberto Pérez, head of area 7, explained that this measure which was taken by the Ministry of health since the end of July, avoids people to self-medicate and worsen the clinical picture when H1N1 influenza is diagnosed.

“The ban has been beneficial… Here we explain  to the parents that if they have a  viral process they should wait for their defenses to act. They should not feel despair because we only  prescribed oral rehydration and acetaminophen, because that is what they need”, said the Director of the Center, Rocío Ruiz.

The H1N1 influenza has caused dozens of deaths in the country and hundreds of  people infected, and health officials are  struggling with recommendations for the population and epidemiological fences to prevent new infections.