Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 12, 2007
Achara Ashayagachat
The demonstration is backed by local and international labour and health advocacy groups, including the Rural Doctors' Club and the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM).
The ICEM circulated a worldwide statement yesterday supporting the GPO labour union and Thai civil groups' demands for the dismissal of the draft decree that will halt the GPO's special status for securing drugs for public and emergency uses.
The draft decree was approved by the government last month and is now being scrutinised by the Council of State.
"We believe that removing the government as a provider of essential health needs, in any form, is a recipe for higher costs, with a bigger portion of the population going without adequate health care," ICEM general-secretary Manfred Warda said in his statement.
Rawai Pupaga, the GPO's labour union president, said the government procurement of pharmaceuticals is first and foremost for the benefit of needy citizens.
"It is not an urgent matter to change the procurement procedure now. There should be a public hearing so that other stakeholders can air their views," said Mr Rawai.
Vichai Chokewiwat, the GPO board chairman, said the board shared the union's views and added that any decisions on streamlining the government procurement process should be thoroughly considered and not rushed.
Dr Vichai said the decree, if enforced in its current form, would adversely affect the government's compulsory licensing scheme, which aims to enable the GPO to procure life-saving drugs for killer diseases such as Aids and cancer at affordable prices.
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