Access to health care services for treatment of HIV infection in northern Thailand: a measure of adequacy of response to the current epidemic
Suwanvanichkij, V.; Beyrer, C.; Khamboonuruang, C.
Thai AIDS Journal 8(4): 181-190
1996
Document Number: 276220
Thailand has witnessed a recent explosive rise in HIV infection, particularly in the upper northern provinces. The epidemic is primarily due to heterosexual intercourse. Although the incidence has been declining recently, the number of patients seeking hospital care for AIDS-related illnesses is expected to continue to increase owing to the long incubation period of HIV. Hospitals in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao were surveyed to determine the availability of various tests, medications, and services for AIDS patients as a measure of efficacy of response to the epidemic and with a view to aiding the planning of medical services for the increasing numbers of patients in the future. Although most services are available, hospital resources are already feeling the strain of increasing numbers of AIDS patients. With the AIDS situation expected to worsen greatly over the next several years, increasing emphasis on home and community-based care as well as additional resources directed towards improving health care will be necessary.