Hong Kong´s Health, Welfare and Food Bureau has proposed spending 254 million Hong Kong dollars (32.56 million US dollars) to purchase antiviral capsules, raising its stockpile from 3.7 million capsules to more than 20 million inphases.

    The capsules form an integral part of the bureau´s plan for tackling an influenza pandemic, and avian flu in particular.

    The bureau will present its proposal to Hong Kong Legislative Council´s Panel on Health Services on March 14 and seek the Finance Committee´s endorsement for creating a capital commitment later.

    As so many other places in the Asia-Pacific region also need the antivirals, their delivery will need to be phased over six to 12 months.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stockpiling drugs is the only way to ensure sufficient supplies at the start of a pandemic and governments with adequate resources should pursue this option as a precautionary measure.

    The bureau said in line with the WHO´s recommendations, the proposal will contribute to keeping Hong Kong safe for the international community to do business, providing a living and working environment and pursuing policies which promote and protect the health and safety of Hong Kong people.

    Since late December, avian influenza cases have claimed 13 lives in Vietnam. The WHO has expressed concern that the virus mayre-assort its genes with those from a human flu virus, acquiring the ability to move easily from person to person.

    The bureau said the pandemic´s impact will depend on how well Hong Kong is prepared, adding it aims to ensure an adequate antiviral supply while minimizing wastage.

    Hong Kong´s Center for Health Protection has recommended maintaining the target level in consultation with its board of scientific advisors and in the light of recent developments in neighboring places as well as their proactive action to raise their antiviral stockpile.