BANGKOK — Thailand’s Public Health Ministry unveiled a comprehensive three-phase strategy on Monday, March 23, to safeguard medicine supplies and healthcare services as the protracted Middle East conflict threatens to drive up drug prices and disrupt imports.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, speaking at the ministry, revealed that assessments show current stockpiles, bolstered by consultations with pharmaceutical firms, will last three to four months. Yet price hikes loom inevitable, especially for critical imports like anticoagulant warfarin from Israel, peritoneal dialysis fluid in specialized plastic containers, and large-volume haemodialysis solutions.
To counter risks, the ministry is fast-tracking registrations for alternatives from India, China, and Europe, while exploring container reuse and substitutions. Beyond supplies, hospitals face mandates to ramp up telemedicine for outpatients from 10% to 30% usage, shorten prescription refills to one or two months with delivery options, and slash energy and paper consumption through solar expansions.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara announced further measures on drug management, energy, services, and telehealth within days, with drafts nearing approval.
The short-term phase (next 3-4 months) prioritizes rational drug use, National List of Essential Medicines, and aggressive regional price negotiations to curb hikes. In the medium term (beyond six months), a “One Province, One Hospital” model enables resource sharing across regions, paired with enhanced telemedicine for efficient stock distribution.
Long-term efforts (over 12 months) push domestic production via the Food and Drug Administration, stable procurement contracts, and a central dashboard to track prices, stocks, and prevent hoarding. Dr. Somruek emphasized that these steps aim to maintain care quality while ensuring equitable resource allocation amid global tensions. Officials warn of no immediate disruptions but urge preparedness as the conflict persists.