Eyecare scare: Fungal eye infections keeps rising in Singapore
Channel NewsAsia last night quoted the Singapore Health Ministry as saying that the number of fungal eye infections among contact lens users continues to rise in the country.
There are now 56 confirmed cases compared to the 39 reported three weeks ago.
The cases were linked to Bausch and Lomb's ReNu multipurpose solution, as users who reported the infections were using the product. But the Ministry says it is still inconclusive that it is the cause, said Channel NewsAsia.
Bausch and Lomb has suspended the sale of ReNu in Singapore since February to help with investigations, but it decided to continue selling it in Malaysia.
'No report in Malaysia,' claims Bausch & Lomb
In The Star report dated Feb 25, Bausch & Lomb South-East Asia managing director Foo Eng Chuan was quoted as saying that his company would not suspend the sales of ReNu multi-purpose solution in Malaysia. Reason: "There had been no report of corneal infection in Malaysia so far."
However, the Malaysian Health Ministry issued a directive last night, ordering the company to withdraw the ReNu multipurpose solution with immediate effect.
The ministry made the decision after the Tun Hussein Onn Hospital had listed 14 contact lens-related infective keratitis cases between January 2005 and February 2006. Out of these 14, the Ministry said six patients cited ReNu as the solution used, one used a combination of ReNu and Alcon solutions while four reported using Complete solution.
Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek said ReNu, Alcon and Complete are brands owned and marketed by Bausch & Lomb in Malaysia.
In Singapore, while the main cause of infections have yet to be confirmed, Bausch and Lomb has, however, launched a two-week voluntary product exchange programme effective from March 15 to 29.
The companny has yet to conduct similar voluntary compensation exercise in Malaysia.
Comments
B&L
http://www.bausch.com/us/vision/about/?nav=topnav
http://www.bausch.com/us/vision/about/investor/index.jsp
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=bol&d=v1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bausch_&_Lomb
Apparently B&L SEA representive is clueless in corporate disaster handling. It is plain stupidity to think this is a "narrowed case".
A recall may caused few millions dollars for Bausch & Lombhas. However, looking at the way B&L SEA representative handle the issue, it is a high chances that B&L will lost hundreds of millions, including drop of stock prices.
Posted by: moo_t![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 16, 2006 10:53 AM
I just found out today on this ReNu issue as i've been in Bangkok for the past 2 weeks. This really had me worried as i've been using ReNu for a very long time...I wonder if Thailand share the same shelf inventory as i just bought a new bottle here. I do hope the causes of the infection is known ASAP.
Posted by: profx![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 16, 2006 11:37 AM
On first thought, congralute the influence of the blogger to push MOH to make a bold decision overnight.
On second thought, it is a dubiuos action of MOH and Dr Chua to make an unplanned decision to force the withdrawal of ReNU.
Please do NOT take any credit , Dr Chua, public safety must be initiated by governement machinery and it should be as rigid as military action. It must be well-thought and decisive.
As quoted by Bernama Dr Chua was saying that there was no time frame given to the company to withdraw its products "but they should be responsible" . That is to say that the MOH do not have any clue to tackle this problem. It is just any other government department - NO dateline. How can the vendor be solely reponsible for the product withdrawal without the monitoring and intervention from MOH. Which party is responsible to verify all the suspected range of Renu has been withdrawn.
Or are we all insensitve or accustom to all these half-hanging and inconslusive action and promises ?
It is hilariuos to read the irresponsible statement from the contended Dr Chua while we thought we are safe ..
Posted by: Pentiumboy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 16, 2006 11:48 AM
Tiada Bukti Larutan Pencuci Punca Jangkitan, Kata Bausch & Lomb
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Mac (Bernama) -- Bausch & Lomb, pengeluar larutan pencuci kanta lekap pelbagai guna ReNu, terkejut dengan arahan Kementerian Kesihatan supaya semua produk itu ditarik balik daripada pasaran.
Source : http://bernama.com/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=186062
Posted by: novin![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 17, 2006 12:19 AM
Tiada Bukti Larutan Pencuci Punca Jangkitan, Kata Bausch & Lomb
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Mac (Bernama) -- Bausch & Lomb, pengeluar larutan pencuci kanta lekap pelbagai guna ReNu, terkejut dengan arahan Kementerian Kesihatan supaya semua produk itu ditarik balik daripada pasaran.
Source : http://bernama.com/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=186062
Posted by: novin![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 17, 2006 12:20 AM