Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - August 19, 2001
Witchayan Boonchote
Earlier, the ministry announced results of tests showing that V-1 Immunitor was not an Aids cure.
Some 200 people with Aids flocked to Jiranakhon gymnasium in Hat Yai to receive the pills from medical staff and volunteers of the Salang Bunnag Foundation and Ban Bang Pakong clinic.
Salang Bunnag, the foundation chairman, said the turnout was lower than expected.
Political interference and misinformation by the Public Health Ministry had confused people, he said.
"Despite the objections, I will not stop. I will go ahead with the handouts. The next destinations are Nakhon Ratchasima, Phayao and Phitsanulok. How can they stop me from helping those with hope? I know the drug can help them," he said.
At a meeting in Hat Yai, the Communicable Diseases Control Department head had barred medical staff from helping with handouts, he said.
Pol Gen Salang alleged that some opposition MPs for Narathiwat were running a campaign against V-1 Immunitor by telling local people that the drug could not help Aids victims.
The MPs feared the New Aspiration party would win more support from southern people after its secretary-general, Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, agreed to back the handouts, he said.
Pol Gen Salang said the foundation and the clinic had distributed the pills to nearly 40,000 people and were expected to help some 60,000 more in the next few months.
The foundation declined to give the pills to people who refused to have medical check-ups and fill out request forms, in a bid to prevent people selling them.
Daeng Sudsuk, from Khuan Niang district, said she needed the pills for her son who had been suffering from Aids for six years.
However, her son would not stop taking medicine prescribed by Prince of Songkhla University hospital while using V-1 Immunitor, she said.
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