Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Wednesday 14 November 2001
Anjira Assavanonda
The alliance met Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan yesterday to submit a letter calling for the government to keep its promise given to HIV-positive people.
Paisal Tan-ud, president of the Network of People Living with HIV, said since the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation would start producing a new formula of anti-retroviral drugs which would be sold cheaply by December this year, this should make it possible for HIV treatment to be included in the 30-baht scheme.
At the moment, the medical scheme does not cover certain illnesses such as chronic kidney disease and HIV/Aids, unless it is a mother-to-child transmission.
The high price of anti-retroviral drugs was earlier a major concern as it would affect the scheme's budget allocation.
However, the GPO's manufacture of a new cocktail formula would lower the price from over 5,000 baht to 2,310 baht per person per month.
In its petition, the network demanded that the ministry expand the scheme to cover at least 12,000 HIV-infected people in the next fiscal year.
It also called for an increase in the annual budget from 500 million baht next year to three billion baht in 2006 to eventually cover 150,000 HIV-infected people.
Medical personnel, laboratory equipment and health care structure should be developed to prepare for the anti-retroviral therapy in the scheme.
The group also demanded the ministry launch a campaign to reduce the rate of new infection, saying epidemiology statistics showed the number of newly-infected has increased to 29,000 per year, of which 4,200 were children.
The alliance called for talks between the government and civic sectors, which should include representatives from Public Health and Finance ministries, academics, HIV-infected people and NGOs. Mr Paisal said the group would return to hear the government's response on Nov 30, prior to World Aids Day on Dec 1.
Mrs Sudarat received the petition and assured the group it was already the government's policy to include HIV/Aids in the 30-baht scheme. However, the process would take some time as the issue was a complicated one.
She also raised concern that overseas drug firms were likely to reduce the price of their anti-retroviral drugs to compete with the GPO, and this would affect the local market.
011114
BP011101
Copyright © 2001 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .