Refund money for medicine for Kon Tum people exposed to HIV

The Ministry of Health requested the Kon Tum Province HIV/AIDS Prevention Center to refund the money for ARV drugs to people exposed to HIV.

» Extremely toxic substances in dialysis water cause strokes in 18 people in Hoa Binh

» HIV exposure and what you need to know

According toDr. Hoang Dinh Canh, Deputy Director of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Ministry of Health, according to regulations, ARV drugs are only provided free of charge to those who are exposed to the virus due to their occupation while on duty, such as medical staff, armed forces, drug rehabilitation teams, etc. However, the 10 people exposed to HIV while participating in the emergency treatment of HIV victims in a traffic accident on June 30 are special cases. Therefore, the Department has directed the Kon Tum Department of Health to provide free ARV drugs for preventive treatment for both medical staff and people.

The Ministry of Health has directed the Kon Tum HIV/AIDS Prevention Center to refund the money to two people who bought ARV drugs. These people were previously refused free medication by the center’s doctors and had to spend millions to buy them.

Dr. Canh also said that the Kon Tum Province HIV/AIDS Prevention Center's sale of ARV drugs to people is a violation of regulations. The reason is that the center does not have the function of selling drugs, but is only allowed to advise and introduce people to buy ARV drugs at pharmacies that sell this type of drug. "This is an issue that needs to be learned from in the whole industry," Dr. Canh said.

The Ministry of Health also recommends health insurance coverage for the treatment of people with HIV/AIDS as well as ARV prophylaxis for people with HIV exposure or suspected exposure. This insurance coverage helps ensure timely and highly effective prevention and treatment.

People received certificates of merit from the Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee for their efforts to rescue victims. Photo: NH

At noon on June 30, a 16-seat passenger car traveling on Ho Chi Minh road from Kon Tum to Da Nang collided with a 16-seat car traveling in the opposite direction at Dak Hring commune, Dak Ha district (Kon Tum). The head-on collision caused both cars to be deformed, torn apart, and glass to be scattered everywhere. One person died on the spot, three died in the hospital, and more than 10 people were injured.

The victims were transferred in.Dak Ha District Medical Center provided first aid, the survivors were transferred to the provincial hospital. When the police made a record,A new death review discovered that a deceased victim was infected with HIV and was receiving outpatient ARV treatment at the provincial hospital.

By the afternoon of July 3, 34 people who participated in the emergency and had blood contact with HIV victims had been given HIV exposure medication, including 24 people from the Dak Ha District Medical Center and 10 local residents. All were given free ARV medication for preventive treatment.

According to VNE