TAC slates Dr Rath methods
2005-04-18 22:08
Special Report
The South African government has announced a joint venture to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral drugs with a Swiss company.
Cape Town - The Treatment Action Campaign has accused the Dr Rath Institute of carrying out tests on people who get their vitamin supplements and counselling at three of their clinics in Khayalitsha, Nyanga and Hout Bay without suitable counselling.
The Rath Institute would not comment on Monday, however, on whether this was true.
A TAC member, who visited the Rath clinic in Hout Bay, described her experience in a statement.
"When we got there, we had to fill in a form which asked a lot of questions about what we ate, what our allergies were, sleeping habits, rashes, symptoms and other general questions on our home and work. We signed these forms.
"The doctor who saw us was a woman and she asked me if I was HIV-positive. I said yes.
"I was taken to have a test, where blood was drawn from my arm.
"They did not explain to me why they took blood. I did not feel as if I had a choice as to whether the blood was drawn.
Had to undress for picture
"The doctor who drew the blood realised we were nervous and said her patients had been scared that day.
"I was told to undress, except for my panties, so that a picture could be taken of me. A woman was taking the pictures, even of the men.
"We were told the photo was compulsory. Usually your face is shown on a photo, but I insisted that I be photographed only from the neck down. This was accepted.
"The reason I was given for the photo (being taken) was that it would be used to show the South African government how well the treatment prescribed by Rath was working..."
"I met two people at the Rath clinic who had HIV. They also go to Groote Schuur Hospital and Michael Maphongwana Clinic.
"The one who goes to Groote Schuur said she had a CD4 count of 87. This means she has Aids and needs antiretroviral treatment.
"I also noticed that her lymph glands were swollen. She told me she was not going to take antiretrovirals because the Rath Institute told her it was poison and caused your death.
"The one going to Michael Maphongwana Clinic also said she refused to use antiretroviral treatment."
- Die Burger