Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Thursday December 4, 2003
Anucha Charoenpo
Fourteen-year-old Sirinya Srisuk and 6-year-old Monsicha Rungkan died of the disease last year, while Napat Songsakulchai, also 6, was still battling its effects.
The parents - Winai and Prapai Srisuk, Cheewin and Sutheera Rungkan, and Wisut Songsakulchai - said yesterday they had been treated unfairly by the Public Health Ministry, which had denied them any compensation or humanitarian assistance.
They later submitted their children's medical files to Rights and Liberty Protection Department chief Charnchao Chaiyanukij, calling on him to seek compensation on their behalf.
The group of parents said they would also ask the agency to help finance a lawsuit against the ministry if it refused to relent. They previously filed a 7.2-million-baht lawsuit with the Administrative Court, but were told to pay court fees totalling 2.5% of their compensation demands.
Mr Charnchao said he would ask the Public Health Ministry to settle the conflict, but could not promise he would get any results.
However, he said if it was proved the children had died due to the negligence of hospitals, the parents should be entitled to reparations.
Mrs Prapai said it was discovered 14-year-old Sirinya had contracted HIV/Aids after she received treatment for thalassemia at Wattananakorn Hospital, in Sa Kaew province.
She said the treatment involved several blood transfusions, and demanded the Public Health Ministry take responsibility for the hospital's alleged recklessness.
Mr Cheewin said 6-year-old Monsicha was born at Wachira Hospital in Bangkok and had received treatment at the Children's Hospital in Ayutthaya before it was found she was suffering from HIV/Aids.
Monsicha's parents had tested HIV negative, and Mr Cheewin said he was convinced his daughter had contracted the virus during her stay at one of the hospitals.
Mr Wisut said he was certain 6-year-old Napat had contracted HIV/Aids from the Children's Hospital in Bangkok, where he was born. Although Napat was still alive, he was in poor health and required constant attention, Mr Wisut said.
"We have to take my son to Bamrad Naradul Hospital regularly for his anti-Aids drugs," he said. "My wife had to quit her job to take care of him."
Mr Wisut echoed Mrs Prapai's sentiments, calling for the Public Health Ministry to take responsibility for ruining his son's life.
031204
BP031207
Copyright © 2003 - 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 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. .