HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME (Education of public)

Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the Acting Minister for Health what steps his Ministry is taking to (i) prevent undue fear among the public which may be generated by the publicity surrounding the Hepatitis B immunization programme, and (ii) prevent profiteering by any one who capitalises on this fear.

The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, information on Hepatitis B immunization has been provided by my Ministry as part of its health education programme. This is done through various channels, including the mass media. Literature on Hepatitis B has also been printed and distributed free to doctors in both the public and private sectors, for distribution to their patients. The aim is to provide the public with the relevant information so that any misconception can be corrected.

The fees for Hepatitis B immunization at Government institutions have been widely publicized. They serve as a guide to the public and act as a curb against profiteering.