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Ministry of Public Health Reveals Sufficient Reserves of Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies for at Least Three Months

Local18 Mar 2026 16:00 GMT+7

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Ministry of Public Health Reveals Sufficient Reserves of Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies for at Least Three Months

The Ministry of Public Health reveals the situation of medicines and medical supplies that are essential in the country still have sufficient reserves for continuous use for at least three months.


On 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Somruk Jungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, stated that due to unrest in the Middle East region, Minister of Public Health Mr. Patthana Promphat has emphasized the security of medicines and medical supplies to avoid disruptions in public services, assigning the FDA to closely monitor the nationwide reserve system for medicines and medical supplies.

Recently, the FDA reported that raw materials, finished medicines, and essential medical supplies for life-saving, surgeries, and emergencies remain without shortages, with reserves sufficient for at least three months. They have established a list of 63 priority essential medicines and supplies to monitor weekly inventory levels, while seeking additional raw material sources to reduce risks from reliance on production in conflict areas. They are also reviewing standard drug prices due to rising costs and considering alternative packaging to plastic or sterilization methods if reusable containers are necessary.

Most plastic raw material production is located in the Middle East, and facilitation of necessary medicine and supply imports is ongoing. Meanwhile, cooperation is requested from all service units to avoid ordering medicines and supplies beyond what is necessary and to expedite payment of outstanding medical supply debts to improve financial liquidity in the system.

Dr. Somruk added that to address the energy crisis possibly affecting electricity and fuel in healthcare facilities, all agencies have been instructed to implement energy-saving measures. Provincial public health offices nationwide are assessing risks and impacts from the fuel crisis and preparing continuity plans (BCP) for energy crises in their provinces. They are also accelerating the installation of solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted patient services.

If the situation prolongs and affects modern medicines, consideration will be given to using 32 herbal medicines listed in the National Herbal Essential Medicines List as substitutes. These cover various symptoms, such as cold symptoms (Andrographis paniculata/Emblica officinalis), muscle pain (Tinospora crispa/Phlai cream), numbness from paralysis (cannabis oil/Phra Sumeru remedy), and insomnia (cannabis oil/Sukhsaiyas formula), among others.