The impact of the integration of The National Access to Antiretroviral Program for people living with HIV/AIDS into the universal coverage scheme at Nan province in Thailand

Abstract

In 2006, the Thai government established antiretroviral therapy as part of health benefits under the Universal Coverage Scheme. This descriptive study purposed to examine HIV/AIDS treatment and the changes during the transition from NAPHA to the UCS. Data were collected from Nan province. Analysis involved the assessment of factors influencing ART under the UCS policy. The findings: obstacles during the transitions were lack of infrastructure development. It also affected drug management and laboratory supply chain and logistics, but not to a severe degree. ARV drug regimen types are not vastly different under either NAPHA or the UCS, therefore; under both programs treatment procedures can be integrated efficiently. The Thai Government should consider excess demand which will likely lead to increase costs, and the social implications. The Ministry of Public Health should take greater responsibility for policy making, instead of the National Health Security Office, and the provincial public health offices also should be given greater responsibilities too.