Hiv Treatment - Drug Costs Red Cross Vs Clinics?

[DiNiro]

I have volunteered to assist a nice person with their HIV treatments & have some questions about the costs.

A dear Thai friend of mine had been on HIV medicine obtained at Camilian Hospital on Thong Lor in Bangkok.

After a couple of years, I noticed a dramatic weight loss and convinced her to consult a Doctor at Bumrungrad.

2 years ago, the Doctor at Bumrungrad put her on Stocrin & Truvada and she has responded very well.

She now sees the Doctor every 3 months (1,200Bt. per visit)

Blood tests at Red Cross every 6 months. (5,000Bt each)

I understand the Stocrin & Truvada obtained at the Red Cross costs around 3,000Bt. per month.

Is this the current price?

Are there any other outlets or clinics that do cheaper blood work or dispense this medicine at a discount or free I was wondering?

Thank you

[Sheryl]

As a Thai citizen she can obtain these medications free at the government hospital where she is registered under either the social security or universal health care (AKA 30 baht) scheme as applicable.

If she is not willing to do this then indeed the Thai red Cross is the least expensive alternative.

She (and/or you) can obtain detailed information on services for people who are HIV positive from the Thai Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS:

http://www.thaiplus.net/Contact.aspx

for the English version:

http://translate.google.co.th/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=http://www.thaiplus.net/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DThai%2BNetwork%2Bof%2BPeople%2BLiving%2Bwith%2BHIV/AIDS%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DoYW%26tbo%3Dd%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=X&ei=Xm76UN-tJMXXrQfm3oGYCA&ved=0CDMQ7gEwAA

[orchis]

At Anonymous clinic they have now Atripla at 2640 thb; this is the combination of stocrin and truvada in one pill.

Also note that you can see some of the specialists at bumrungrad cheaper

at other hospitals e.g. at bnh my hiv dr who also works at bmr charges 700 thb / visit.

[DiNiro]

Thank you all for the replies.

I will look into this and report back here.