제 목 : UK to study Gulf war syndrome
일 자 : 1996년 04월
제공처 : OS＆H
THE BRITISH Ministry of Defence has succumbed to mounting public
pressure for research into the bealth of British soldiers who served in
the Gulf war.
Armed forces minister, Nicholas Soames said that a team of seven
medical specialists had been set up under surgeon general, Vice Admiral
Tony Revell. The panel includes top scientists in immunology,
toxicology, tropical illnesses, occupational medicine, epidemiology and
teratology.
They will advise on epidemiological studies into the prevalence of
illness among Gulf veterans and incidence of birth abnormalities in
their children.
Results will be compared with control group analysis of equivalent
studies among service staff who had not taken part in the war. Some of
the research will be carried out under contract to the MOD.
So far the panel of specialists' has looked at the results of the
Ministry's current medical assessment programme for the 51,300
servicemen and women who fought in the Gulf. Nearly 340 examinations
have been carried out since 1993. All were performed by air force
physician, Wing Commander Bill Coker.
About 40 per cent of the people seen already were diagnosed as
suffering from asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches
ordermatoses. More than 33 per cent showed signs of psychological
problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and
depression.
Nearly 800 forces staff have registered initial claims against the
MOD in a multiparty action. According to solicitors acting for the
veterans, there is widespread mistrust among soldiers and potential
litigants reluctant to be examined by military doctors.
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