Medical cares more secure

Following the case of tainted blood, blood products and, more generally, all health products handled in hospitals have already been the subject of security measures consistent. It remains to strengthen surveillance of hemodialysis centers to prevent recurrence of infections such as those recently held in Beziers.
An assessment of professional practices including the use of reusable medical devices in various medical specialties and even among dentists will begin in March. A guide for physicians will be released in September 2002 to encourage good medical practice.

National anti-hepatitis B and C
Each year, hepatitis, including hepatitis C, are thousands of victims. Bernard Kouchner announced the implementation of a plan to reduce the risk of transmitting viruses’ hepatitis B and C. It includes several preventive measures such as securing medical care, access to sterile injection equipment for drug addicts, campaigns of information for populations at risk. In parallel, screening and treatment of patients will be improved.
Encourage good practices in risk populations

An experimental program of syringe exchange will be tested in prisons.
It is in both cases, to fight against such practices risk that the exchange of syringes, spoons or straws to sniff.
The use of condoms will also be encouraged to reduce the risk of contamination with hepatitis B.
Preventing risks associated with tattooing and piercing

The practice of tattooing and piercing is regulated and standards for equipment and products used will be determined. Again, a good practice guide will be distributed to professionals. An information campaign on the risks associated with these acts will be sent to the public.

National anti-hepatitis B and C

Each year, hepatitis, including hepatitis C, are thousands of victims. Bernard Kouchner announced the implementation of a plan to reduce the risk of transmitting viruses’ hepatitis B and C. It includes several preventive measures such as securing medical care, access to sterile injection equipment for drug addicts, campaigns of information for populations at risk.

In parallel, screening and treatment of patients will be improved.
Encourage the vaccine and put an end to unfounded fears

There is an effective vaccine against hepatitis B, but its use has been questioned by the suspicions that have weighed on him. It is suspected to cause serious neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, although no evidence has been established in this direction. The minister put an end to these doubts by asking an expert on this subject. He said the number of infants vaccinated still insufficient in France (30%), while the vaccine is safe at these ages.
An information campaign aimed at increasing immunization coverage will be implemented and will in particular focus on drug users, medical personnel handling the blood or its derivatives, people with multiple sex partners, infants and adolescents.