Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - September 6, 2008
Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
Their concerns follow reports that multinational drug firms have tried to lobby Deputy Public Health Minister Wicharn Meenchainant to have their representatives sit on the national drug committee, and its two sub-panels responsible for developing essential national drug lists and promoting the proper use of medicines.
The committee, chaired by Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnweerakul, oversees the list of drugs deemed essential to the health of Thai people.
The multinational firms' move was, however, blocked at the committee's meeting on Thursday.
Mr Wicharn eventually made no change to the composition of the 34-member panel, made up largely of academics and experts from the non-business sector, said a source inside the committee.
Mr Wicharn yesterday declined to comment on the matter.
The lobbying was seen by some health policy experts as the latest attempt by multinational pharmaceutical companies to get involved in the state policy to extend public access to affordable essential drugs during the term of the current government.
The interim Surayud Chulanont government, appointed by the Sept 19, 2006 coup-makers, announced a policy on compulsory licensing to bypass the patents of seven Aids, heart and cancer drugs.
The move upset pharmaceutical giants holding the patents of those medicines.
In May, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej set up a joint committee to seek a mechanism for sustainable medicinal access.
The panel is made up of the permanent secretaries of Public Health, Commerce and Foreign Affairs ministries, as well as representatives of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing Association (PReMA) and health activists.
However, this committee has come under criticism as only representatives from multinational drug companies had been invited to join the panel, while local drug firms were left out.
In July, members of the ruling People Power party and Bangkok councillors from the party, instead of ministerial experts, were appointed by Mr Wicharn to chair 12 working groups of the joint committee.
The deputy health minister claimed they had volunteered to monitor various projects at the ministry without receiving any remuneration.
080906
BP080901
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. .