At the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Dr. Somrak Jongsaman, Permanent Secretary of the MOPH, spoke about managing the unrest in the Middle East affecting drug and medical supply prices and healthcare service systems. The MOPH has assessed the medium-term impact on drugs and supplies overall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discussed with pharmaceutical companies, confirming sufficient stock for 3-4 months. The definite expected impact is the increase in drug prices. Drugs that might become problematic include:
1. Warfarin group, used as a blood thinner, is imported from Israel. Currently, supplies are stable, but if the conflict prolongs, import reserves from other countries like India, China, and Europe will be secured. The plan includes expediting registration of drugs from these backup countries.
2. Peritoneal dialysis solution, requiring special-grade plastic, has had its issue resolved through the FDA coordinating import efforts.
3. Dialysis solution in gallon containers is under discussion regarding the possibility of reusing gallons in a recycling system, as well as other medical supplies that might need alternative packaging. For patient services, hospitals will be encouraged to increase telemedicine usage among outpatients, reduce dispensing periods from four months to one or two months, and promote medicine delivery services. Healthcare facilities will focus on reducing energy consumption, increase solar panel installation, and cut paper usage.
Dr. Ekachai Piansriwatchara, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MOPH, said the FDA is preparing to announce measures to address drug shortages or high prices: In the short term (3-4 months), rational drug use will be controlled, price negotiations will occur at district or national levels to strengthen bargaining power, and price caps may be imposed if necessary. In the medium term (over 6 months), management will focus on the 'one health district, one province, one hospital' project to share resources such as drugs and hospital beds within provinces and health districts. In the long term (over 12 months), the FDA will support domestic drug production.