Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
Nimit Tien-Udom, director of the Access Foundation, said the government's decision to make workers with HIV/Aids pay extra for ARV drug regimens that cost more than 5,000 baht a month was unfair and should be changed immediately.
He said it was unacceptable to force workers with HIV/Aids to pay for ARV drugs themselves given that they already contribute part of their income to the Social Welfare Fund, he said.
The Labour Ministry earlier confirmed its decision to allow workers with HIV/Aids to be treated under the Social Welfare fund from Aug 1 onwards
However, unlike the National Health Care Programme, which allows HIV/Aids patients to receive the cheap drug cocktail GPOVIR through the 30-baht health scheme, workers receiving public health services through the Social Welfare scheme have to pay extra if they receive any treatment that exceeds the budget.
All workers must pay 5% of their monthly income to the Social Welfare Fund while employers also have to contribute an equal amount per employee to the fund.
About six million workers are eligible for the Social Welfare service, and about 10,000 currently receive ARV treatment via the scheme.
Basic ARV treatment costs 1,250 baht a month. Some patients, however, have to go on more expensive drug regimens due to side effects and drug resistance.
Mr Nimit said he would urge the government to review its policy during the International Aids Conference because its stance ran contrary to a campaign pledge for equal access to treatment for all Aids patients.
040707
BP040708
Copyright © 2004 - 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 Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. 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, 2004. 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. .