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HIV patients express concern as prescriptions adjusted amid drug shortages in Indonesia
HIV patients in Indonesia have decried the shortages of ARV drugs, which are provided for free by the Health Ministry.
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An illustration of the HIV campaign symbol. (Shutterstock/r.classen)
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t the beginning of every month, Uka, 43, visits Bungsu Hospital in Bandung, West Java. After testing positive for HIV in 2016, he has taken antiretroviral (ARV) drugs provided by the government.
But when he visited a doctor in early March to receive his monthly supply, he found that his prescription had been reduced.
“I only received six tenofovir pills. They said stocks were limited,” he said on Monday, although he still received his normal supply of duviral.
HIV patients in Indonesia have decried the shortages of ARV drugs, which are provided for free by the Health Ministry. The ministry procures the drugs through importers PT Kimia Farma and PT Indofarma.
It is the second time in the past two years that supplies have been depleted at hospitals and clinics, forcing patients to make adjustments that may risk their own health.
Read also: HIV drug shortage hits Indonesian cities, regencies
The shortage, which Uka is experiencing for the first time, has made him worried, as those with weak immune systems are vulnerable to COVID-19. He said he depends on the ARV drugs to maintain his immune system.
