I am writing in response to the letter by Mr Yap Chin Kwee titled Open letter to Health Minister Chua Jui Meng . His arguments for the introduction of Smartlock safety syringes are baseless. He appears to be exploiting the issue of Sars by erroneously suggesting that this syringe will "protect our invaluable health workers from contracting Sars".

This letter clearly shows that our ex-political secretary to our dearest prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, is using the media to promote a particular product. I totally disagree with his statement that "the first thing to do, is to make available the Smartlock safety syringes to all hospitals and private clinics immediately".

First and foremost, these syringes do not prevent or protect healthcare workers from Sars. They also do not totally eliminate needle-stick injury as suggested by Mr Yap. To eliminate needle-stick injury requires strict adherence to accepted guidelines and proper training of healthcare workers.

I have seen these Smartlock syringes and am not impressed by it. It is also more expensive than conventional syringes. It might be more useful for the military who may not have the luxury of a "sharp bin" during certain times thus, the need for these Smartlock syringes. But to conclude that it is the most important step at this juncture is totally irresponsible.

The unnecessary extra expenses for these syringes can be chanelled to more useful ventures. For example, the purchase of better medical equipment for our hospitals and health clinics. I see great disparity between the "first world" hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and the "third world" hospitals for example in Pahang. I have been working in Pahang for over three years now and health clinics are poorly equipped and staffed.

For example, we do not even have an ultrasound scan machine which has become a necessity in modern antenatal care. My patients who are too poor to afford the prices of private clinics have to endure a 45-minute travel to the nearest centre where a scan machine is available for our use. So for Mr Yap to suggest that his syringes are important lacks good judgement.

On a final note, I am disappointed that Mr Yap, writing in his capacity as an ex-political secretary to a great prime minister, has resorted to the media and has used the stresses and sensitivities of the current Sars outbreak to promote a product that clearly does not show superiority to the current o­ne.