What makes patient Subin outstanding

He was cited for his attempts to encourage final stage patients to fight the illness,and for lobbying the government to cover the high costs of medical treatment for chronic kidney disease.

"I have suffered from chronic kidney disease for a long time and I can overcome my illness. So I want to bring my experience to help other people suffering the disease like me," he said. Subin was speaking at the award ceremony organised to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Sa-nguan - former National Health Security Office (NHSO)'s secretary general who died of cancer.

Sa-nguan had dedicated himself to reform the country's health care system which now allows more than 48 million people access to a universal health care scheme.

This year's award was presented also to Ramathibodhi Hospital's Laryngectomees Club, Ayutthaya's Pachee hospital nurses, and the Network of People Living with HIV/Aids.

Following in Sa-nguan's footsteps, Subin formed a group called "Friends of Kidney Patients' Club" to help patients and their families through all phases of the illness.

Subin said most patients with chronic kidney disease, especially at the final stages, feel lonely and depressed. Some, like himself, consider suicide.

" I thought about and attempted suicide many times. Fortunately someone saved my life. Then I realised it was not the way to resolve my problems," he said.

The club was found to create a good relationship between patient and family, to help relatives understand the illness and how this information can extend patients' lives.

" We talk with them and encourage them. We tell them that even if their kidneys are dysfunctional they still have a heart strong enough to stay alive," he said.

At present 3,000 people are members of the club and help more than 8,000 patients with chronic kidney disease nationwide.

However, Subin said during recent years, the government has not covered the costs of haemodialysis therapy. Patients have to pay at least Bt 20,000 a month to receive this treatment.

Many do not have the money to access health care services, and some become bankrupt paying to save the last stages of their lives.

" This disease is not a problem for rich people but it is a problem for the poor. They must borrow from their families and relatives to pay for the health care service," he said. "Unfortunately, many are refused help from their relatives," he added.

In a bid to cut down the financial burden on patients, the club has voiced concern and urged the government, especially NHSO, to cover kidney patients' expenses.

The NHSO has launched a haemodialysis therapy scheme under which hospitals are given a Bt1,000 subsidy, while patients pay Bt500. The scheme applies to 6,500 kidney patients registered with NHSO.