AEGiS-Bangkok Post: Doctor responsible for test at hotel faces investigation: Media event held to push V1-Immunitor

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Doctor responsible for test at hotel faces investigation: Media event held to push V1-Immunitor

Bangkok Post - February 8, 2003
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

A doctor who arranged for supermodel Yoko Takano to undergo an HIV test before an army of reporters may face an investigation into whether she violated medical ethics by using the media gathering to talk at length about the food supplement V-1 Immunitor, controversially marketed as a treatment for Aids.

Medical Council acting spokesman Chumsak Phruksaphong said yesterday Dr Oraphan Maethadilokul, head of Rajavithi hospital's Occupational Health Institute, could be charged with misconduct after indirectly promoting the use of V-1 Immunitor as an anti-HIV/Aids drug.

Ms Yoko agreed to undergo the blood test on Thursday at a Bangkok hotel in a bid to quash rumours she had been diagnosed HIV positive. After the test, Dr Oraphan talked for about 30 minutes on the benefits of using V1-Immunitor as a treatment for HIV/Aids.

Ms Yoko said Dr Oraphan had arranged the meeting, including booking the hotel and informing the press.

Dr Oraphan was previously investigated by the Medical Council for informing the public the food supplement could cure Aids, Dr Chumsak said.

--The Bangkok Post wishes to apologise to Ms Yoko for referring to her in an article published on Friday as "Yoko Ono." Ms Yoko has never been known by this nickname, either locally or abroad.

030208
BP030109

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Always watch for outdated information.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 2003. 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, 2003. 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. .