DEPT OF HEALTH RESPONSE TO VIRODENE INVESTIGATION

Issued by: Department of Health / Gauteng Provincial Government

27 February, 1997

Response to Virodene Investigation

I would like to thank members of the investigating committee for their thorough report which answers some of the critical questions about recent research on the use of virodene P058 to treat people with AIDS.

From the point of view of the Gauteng Health Department, the report suggests a number of matters which must be pursued.

Our priority is to follow-up patients who were treated with virodene as part of the research trial conducted by Professor DJ du Plessis, Dr C Landauer and Mrs O Visser.

The Department's view is that, regardless of whether those who received virodene treatment were "officially" provincial patients, the HIV Clinic at HF Verwoerd Hospital will contact them and extend an offer of further assistance, including counselling.

The committee has highlighted the fact that, in matters of medical research, idealism and a desire to serve are not enough. Great harm can be done, especially in terms of raising premature expectations of cures, unless scientific rigour and ethical discipline are observed.

Further action by the Department will include the following:

• Referring the report of the committee to the South African Medical and Dental Council with a request that the council consider whether to investigate professional misconduct or negligence in relation to the care of the patients involved.
• Investigating whether disciplinary action by the Province is warranted against either Professor du Plessis or Dr Landauer, who are employed jointly by the Department of Health and the University of Pretoria, or against Mrs Visser, a former employee. The report is inconclusive about these matters, although it highlights a number of areas of concern.

Dr Ralph Mgijima Superintendent-General of Health: Gauteng

Inquiries: Popo Maja (082 372 1169) or Jo-Anne Collinge (082 574 5510)