ARV Treatment in Kerala: A request

July 4, 2001

Dear friends,

even though I am yet to find a sponsor, there are many patients under my

care who are taking ART in Kerala . With the Aurobindo Pharma in

competitive spirit, the two drug regimen is now available for

Rs. 1600 a month which is roughly 400 $ an year.

If there are any sponsors, please contact me to know how you

can assist a few deserving persons.

Dr. R. Sajith Kumar. M.D

Kerala State PRAM

Medical College Hospital

Kottayam, Kerala 686008

India

E-mail: <rsajith@...>

July 5, 2001

Dear Forum members,

This is in reply to a mail send by Dr Sajith with regard to ART therapy

to PLHAs in Kerala.

It is of great concern that there are doctors who are prescribing mono

and 2 drug therapy even now when all reliable data around the world

specifically recommends a 3 drug combination therapy. I had thought that

NACO had recently come out with specifications for initiation of ART

along with recommended regimens.

I would like feedback from other doctors who prescribe ART for their

PLHA clients, as I only prescribe triple drug regimen (with or without

protease inhibitor) after careful treatment counselling of the patient

(pros & cons of starting the ART treatment including possible reactions)

and monitoring tests including PCR quantitative for viral load along

with CD4 count test and other routine baseline investigations. The 3

drug combination (with Nevarapine) costs Rs 3500/month & around Rs

6000/month (with Indinavir)

The need of the hour is to check the NACO recommended guidelines and

initiate discussion on its practical applicability.

Regards,

Dr Bitra

Consultant, Sharan

E-mail: <sharanindia@...>

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