Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - June 6, 2002
Anjira Assavanonda
Pravej Tantipiwatanasakul, director of Mental Health Development Office, said yesterday providing counselling to those uncertain about their HIV/Aids status was one of the most effective tools in the prevention of the deadly disease.
He was speaking at the fourth National Seminar on Aids Counselling, which will run through to Friday.
Dr Pravej said the country's HIV/Aids infection rate had decreased slightly, but figures were still high among intravenous drug users and teenagers.
Official statistics show nearly 2 million Thais had been infected with HIV, which had developed into about 800,000 Aids cases requiring intensive care.
Dr Pravej said a holistic approach should be taken toward treating HIV patients, adding counselling should also be a key component of the treatment.
Dr Therdsak Dejkong, also from the Mental Health Development Office, said the standard of counselling provided at general hospitals fell short of requirements.
"Most of the problems we have heard about today concern the confidentiality of patients and the poor conduct of hospital staff," said Dr Therdsak. "Many patients who test HIV-positive are disowned by relatives and members of their communities."
In an attempt to improve the situation, the Mental Health Department had established a pilot project at 26 hospitals under which counsellors receive professional training.
According to Dr Therdsak, the project had proved successful in more than half of the hospitals, and would be expanded to general hospitals nationwide by 2006.
"Counselling allows patients to talk more openly with doctors," he said. "Regular consultations and treatment also help to avoid resistance to drugs."
The rights of patients were equally important, he added.
"In many cases, patients have been forced to undergo blood tests before doctors agree to perform surgery," Dr Therdsak said. "That is a breach of their rights."
He said the issue should be discussed further by the medical profession.
"Patients should be allowed to decide if they want to undergo a blood test," he said. "If they do not consent, doctors cannot force them into providing blood for a test, and cannot refuse them treatment."
Dr Therdsak noted that working as a counsellor for HIV/Aids patients was a particularly stressful occupation.
He said many counsellors, especially those working in the Northeast, had either resigned, or requested temporary leave.
The Mental Health Department would attempt to provide encouragement with promotions and other incentives, he added.
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