Warning over sales of ‘free’ condoms

Warning over sales of ‘free’ condoms

As part of a public health promotion, online sellers are making money off of products that are distributed for free.

Warning over sales of ‘free’ condoms
People receive gratis contraception as part of an anti-HIV campaign in Bangkok in 2015. ( Bangkok Post image )

Officials have issued a warning to companies not to sell condoms that are meant to be freely distributed to the general public.

According to Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the National Health Security Office( NHSO ), the free condoms, which are offered as part of a health promotion program, are being offered for sale online at low prices.

He claimed that because the condoms are funded by taxpayer funds, selling them for a profit is improper and unlawful.

Dr. Atthaporn pleaded with the vendors to stop or face legal repercussions, and he urged the general public to refrain from supporting such dishonest merchants despite the fact that the goods were being sold for a lower price.

He claimed that Thai men over the age of 13 can use the Pao Tang mobile app to record for 10 condoms per week for free and present the prescribed at a pharmacy or clinic that is NHSO-registered.

According to him, people without phones can use their ID cards to get free condoms from their closest health facilities.

One of the eight preventative health care services provided to all Thais without fee is safe supply. The people include routine physical and mental health exams, pregnancy tests, salt protection, iron or folic acid deficiency screening, and birth control pills.