I bring a note of caution to our
deliberations. One, we can expect demands that we eliminate import duties on AIDS and other
drugs, and lower our registration
fees for new drugs. And they will question why we have a VAT on these
life-saving drugs.
The problem is that these duties and charges
provide a substantial amount of state revenue. If we bend to their pressure, we'll
have to lower what we spend on health and education. Once we give in, it will be very
difficult to reinstate the fees.
Second, I had a conference with
executives from the mining companies, and they explained the problems of their
treating miners with AIDS drugs.
- Miners could be given drugs when they come
to work --but they have to walk about 3 miles to the actual workface in
the mine. There
is no way for any staff member to make the rounds to different sites every
few hours to give medications. Even if they were given a full days
supply, there is no way to check to see if they take them on time.
- The drugs make people sick--nausea,
diarrhea, weakness. So miners can't work. Even if they tried,
the other miners would not be willing to put up with the conditions.
Mines don't have much in the way of sanitary facilities or Portapotties.
- Mining companies cannot afford to pay for
expensive treatment only to find that the miners cannot work and have to
be replaced. There are large numbers who wish to be hired. The
mining enterprise can't survive if two have to be paid to
get the work of one.
- Mining companies cannot provide treatment
for spouses in rural areas. If companies provide drugs for spouses
in the mining camps, then thousands will move in. Companies don't
have the housing facilities for those thousands. None of the spouses
is likely to be producing food or income. The net result is likely
to be greater poverty, crowded unsanitary conditions, and more
disease.
Mining companies may be more willing to support
AIDS drugs for mid-level and executives, but not for the miners or their
spouses. The companies want the government to provide for miners
and spouses who have AIDS. Is there enough money in the UN fund
for such a program? Because our government doesn't have the funds.
