Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - December 1, 2002
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
John Lertwitworapong, director of Lat Yao Prison's Central Hospital in Nonthaburi, has started a hospice programme to mark World Aids Day today. It coincides with this years' World Aids campaign, which focuses on eliminating stigma and discrimination against HIV/Aids sufferers.
The programme would not be extravagant but at least would give people in their last days of life an opportunity to feel that they are not alone, said Dr John, who has been at the hospital for 26 years.
An empty ward has been turned into a 20-bed hospice centre with support from Shan Biswas, a medical doctor and former British prison service officer, who regularly visits Thailand.
Within the hospice confines, relatives would be able to visit ill patients regularly.
About 20 healthy prisoners have volunteered to take care of patients, acting as their counsellors, relatives and friends. They are trained to tell stories, give moral support and listen.
Dr John said inmates could take better care of patients than relatives, because they saw each other more often.
The hospice programme would do two things at once. "Patients in critical condition will hopefully feel better so they are able to die in dignity. The second benefit is that inmates who help patients in their last stages of life are given a chance to do good deeds."
Under prison rules, relatives cannot take patients back home nor can they care for them at the prison around the clock.
Finding volunteers was hard at first, Dr John said, because they get no money and many were afraid of picking up infections. However, prisoners had changed their minds after being treated at the hospital.
The hospital's eight doctors look after 250 in-patients a day and 200 out-patients a day, many from other prisons. Half the inmates visiting the hospital are HIV-positive.
It does all this on a tight budget. The hospital gets six million baht a year, but spends 10 million baht or more providing care.
021201
BP021201
Copyright © 2002 - 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 2002. 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, 2002. 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. .