The shortage of the 30-miligram capsules of the antiretroviral drugs Atazanavir and Rilpivirin, which are both used to treat HIV, was related to a production issue, causing a delay from the November 30 delivery date, he said. The sub-panel had resolved to ask the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation to coordinate with drug companies to import medicine made in India, he added. His comments were made during the NHSO board meeting on Wednesday at the NHSO head office at the government complex on Chaeng Wattana Road. The meeting was presided over by Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn. During the meeting, NHSO assistant director-general Dr Jakkrit Ngowsiri, in his capacity as the sub-panel’s secretary, said the NHSO had wired Bt3.01 billion to Rajavithi Hospital to buy seven groups of medicines, including vaccines, HIV antiretroviral drugs, dialysis fluid, erythropoiesis drugs and Clopidogrel, which is used to treat heart disease and strokes.

Source: The Nation Bangkok December 07, 2017 08:26 UTC