The circular letter from the Ministry of Health on October 18, 2022, regarding temporary prohibition on the use of syrup drugs has temporarily succeeded in preventing the addition of new cases at RSCM as a national kidney referralJakarta (ANTARA) - Health Ministry's spokesperson Mohammad Syahril stated that the government's policy to temporarily halt the use of syrup drugs was effective in preventing new cases of acute kidney disease at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta.
"The circular letter from the Ministry of Health on October 18, 2022, regarding temporary prohibition on the use of syrup drugs has temporarily succeeded in preventing the addition of new cases at RSCM as a national kidney referral," Syahril stated during a press conference here on Tuesday.
He later remarked that 255 cases of acute kidney disorders originated from 26 provinces as of October 24, 2022. A total of 143 patients had reportedly died, or equivalent to 56 percent of the total cases.
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"From this data, there are 10 additional cases and two deaths. However, the additions were reported late and were not new cases. The reports were submitted in September and early October of 2022," he stated.
According to Syahril, since the policy of prohibiting the circulation of syrup drugs was implemented, no additional cases of acute kidney failure were reported since October 22, 2022.
"Cases of acute kidney disorders occur every year. However, the number is very small, with an average of only one to two cases every month," he remarked.
Cases of acute kidney disorders caught the government's attention after a spike in cases at the end of August 2022, with more than 35 patients.
The results of investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health along with the relevant authorities found that the spike in cases allegedly occurred due to contamination of chemical compounds ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) that were processed by the patient's metabolism through syrup drugs.
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"This case of acute kidney failure is not caused by COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination, or routine immunization. The Ministry of Health has responded as quickly as possible through surveillance to find the cause," Syahril remarked.
Results of the investigation ruled out the suspected causes by infection, severe dehydration, and heavy bleeding, including food and drink poisoning.
"With the investigation, the Ministry of Health along with the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) and related professions found that the causes led to one factor. i.e., drug poisoning," he added.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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