Patthana Promphat confirmed that there are sufficient stocks of medicines and medical supplies. Acknowledging the Middle East conflict has increased transport costs, he stated there is still no need to reserve fuel for emergency vehicles and ordered all hospitals to be prepared to prevent any disruptions.
On 17 March 2026 at 9:35 a.m. at the Government House, Patthana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, addressed whether the Middle East situation would affect medical services. He said he has instructed all hospitals to check their medicine stocks and sourcing. Currently, there are confirmed supplies sufficient for several months because Thailand buys medicines from the United States and China, not from Middle Eastern countries. However, the ministry remains cautious, anticipating possible transport delays and increased transport costs that could raise medicine prices. The ministry is not neglecting the situation and continues coordinating with the private sector and hospitals to ensure effective management of medicines and medical supplies.
Regarding whether hospital emergency vehicles are facing fuel shortages, Patthana emphasized that the situation remains normal. He has ordered hospitals to prepare for patient evacuations and outpatient services to ensure no disruptions. As for coordinating to reserve fuel for emergency vehicles, he stated that currently, there is no such need.