Cabinet 'must rule on drugs'

Chaiya denied saying he would revoke the licences and said he was to review the decisions by the Surayud cabinet in issuing them.

He said the matter should be decided by March 30, not by his ministry alone but by the entire Cabinet because of the many ways it would affect the country. Chaiya said he personally agreed with Thailand issuing compulsory licences, but the decision would have most impact on Thai exporters doing business with the United States.

Chaiya said he would seek his fellow ministers' suggestions on how best to help the people in need of expensive patent-protected medicines if the compulsory licensing decision is revoked.

Asked about earlier statements by patients in need of long-term expensive medication that they would organise a large protest if the licences are revoked, Chaiya said he would discuss the matter with them based on logic and common sense.

A network of Aids/HIV patients will today rally outside Government House at 9am to hear the government's stance on compulsory licensing.

Suthichai Iamjaroenying, chairman of the Businesses for Society Network, said people who used four types of cancer drugs would be most affected if the compulsory licensing was revoked, especially the poor.

Businesses might be affected, but life is more important, he said.

The Nation