The Ministry of Public Health has announced measures to address the impacts from the Middle East conflict. They also emphasized "emergency vehicles will operate without interruption and medication supplies are secured."
On 20 March 2026, Dr. Ekachai Phiansriwatchara, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, revealed preparations to handle the effects of unrest in the Middle East region. He said that Mr. Patthana Phromphat, Minister of Public Health, has ordered close monitoring of the situation, especially focusing on two critical resources affecting public services: medicines and medical supplies. Currently, reserves are sufficient for about 3-4 months.
Meanwhile, the central agency, the Public Health Administration Division, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is monitoring information and coordinating on the supply side with pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers, and on the demand side with 904 regional hospitals using an online medical supplies management system. This system compiles inventory data from regional, general, and community hospitals nationwide, enabling close tracking of stock levels for each medicine by province and health zone. They closely watch sensitive items related to raw materials, domestic production, and imports per FDA guidelines, especially key chronic disease and psychiatric medicines, to prevent shortages. Hospitals will implement appropriate usage measures based on local contexts and internal management within zones and provinces.
Dr. Ekachai added that regarding energy, since the situation directly affects oil prices, the Ministry has instructed all affiliated units nationwide to strictly enforce energy-saving measures. Hospital directors have been asked to adjust service models appropriately, including reducing travel by promoting telemedicine and Health Rider services (home medication delivery) to lower energy consumption for both hospitals and the public. They will also adjust the dispensing period for chronic patients according to the situation and continuously communicate with the public to avoid panic. Additionally, coordination with local fuel stations ensures emergency ambulances have reserved fuel or systems in place to operate without obstacles.
The Ministry assures the public that it maintains an accurate drug stock surveillance system and is fully prepared to handle all dimensions of the situation. Despite external volatility, public healthcare will continue uninterrupted and efficiently.