Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - April 30, 2008
Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
"We strongly disagree with Mr Chaiya's idea and call for an end to his attempt to overshadow public health affairs by appointing a business rival or someone who has always opposed the state policy on compulsory licensing and GPO products to our board member," said Rawai Poopaka, the labour union chairman, who led the gathering of about 60 GPO employees.
Mr Rawai also submitted a petition to Mr Chaiya via his secretary, saying the PReMA president lacked the qualifications to join the board.
Under Article 8 of the law on state enterprises, people appointed to executive positions must not have been an executive in any other organisation which could influence profits and losses of a state enterprise within the previous three years, he said.
Mr Teera, representing multinational drug companies, has been calling for a reversal of the compulsory licensing policy since its announcement in 2007. He has argued that patent holders have put further investment in Thailand on hold in response to the previous government's decision to issue compulsory licences for cheap versions of drugs to treat heart disease and HIV-Aids.
The union's petition expressed the concern at Mr Chaiya's intervention in GPO affairs and the public's access to life-saving medicines, his review of compulsory licences, and the transfer of senior civil servants to inactive positions.
Mr Chaiya denied that he favoured patented drug owners by wanting Mr Teera on the GPO board. He said it was his duty as health minister to find new members to replace those who have resigned.
Public health permanent secretary Prat Boonyawongwirote and Disease Control Department director-general Thawat Sundarajan earlier resigned from the GPO board. Their resignations were seen by many as resulting from pressure applied by Mr Chaiya.
Saree Ongsomwang, manager of theFoundation for Consumers, which ran a campaign for the impeachment of Mr Chaiya, said the the US decision to keep Thailand on its priority watch list indicated the Thai policy on compulsory licences was legitimate. Washington could not use compulsory licensing as a threat in trade relations, as the trade sector had worried about, she said.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce has been worried the country might be placed on the US priority foreign country list, which is more severe than being on the priority watch list, if compulsory licensing continues.
080430
BP080409
Copyright © 2008 - 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 2008. 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, 2008. 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. .