Fridae

During his campaign, now-Prime Minister Thaksin promised to provide affordable health care to all Thais. In trying to live up to that promise, the government has begun a scheme to subsidize medications and doctor visits. In 21 provinces, patients now pay 30 baht per visit.

But the scheme does not cover anti-retroviral drugs. At least not yet. The matter will be taken up at a conference next week, says Sudarat Keyuraphan, Minister of Health. The meeting is expected to draw 2,300 people - scientists, doctors, Aids activists, academics and the like, according to the Bangkok Post.

The issue is not whether the government should subsidize HIV medication, but how it can do so effectively and inexpensively. "Though HIV/Aids was not one of the main issues to be tackled by this government, we're concerned about the seriousness of the problem," Sudarat said.

Anti-retroviral drugs are not the only subjects on the table. The group will also discuss treatments for opportunistic illnesses that arise as a result of HIV, such as pneumonia.

Thailand has begun to manufacture some anti-retroviral drugs locally, the Post reported. The first batch is due to be ready next week, at a cost of 2,500 baht per month, down from 4,000 baht, an amount equivalent to the monthly minimum wage.