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 30, 2008
Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
Speaking before hundreds of senior health officials on his first day in office, Mr Chalerm yesterday said it was impossible to cancel the policy, as it was invaluable to the majority of Thai patients, despite facing trade pressure from the European Union and United States.
However he said he was open to negotiations with drug companies.
"Some people say that I don't know anything about CL. But I was the one who proposed the law on Intellectual Property Rights when working at the Justice Ministry," he said.
The Public Health Ministry announced the CL policy to bypass patents of Aids, heart and cancer drugs in 2006-2007 and import generic versions from Indian companies for treating patients under the universal healthcare scheme.
The CL issue is among a dozen policies Mr Chalerm aims to put into practice after taking office.
He also plans to revive a 45-billion-baht mega-project and medical hub programme previously promoted by the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.
Another plan is to maintain the universal healthcare scheme and to develop the public health system at hospitals in the southernmost provinces .
Throughout the 40-minute talk with senior health staff, the newly-appointed health minister defended accusations that he was not appropriate for the job.
"I'm not a nak leng [tough-guy style of leader]. In fact, I am the chief of nak leng . But being a nak leng chief is better than being a hooligan," he said.
"If I do anything wrong and I cannot explain myself, I will be willing to face any consequences."
Mr Chalerm also denied he would appoint his son Wan to work at the Public Health Ministry, saying the decision was up to the People Power party.
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