THE Public Health Ministry is rolling out a three-phase plan to manage medicine supplies and healthcare services as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of dragging on, with officials warning that drug prices are likely to rise.
Speaking at the ministry on Monday, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Chungsaman said the authorities had assessed the medium-term impact on medicines and medical supplies.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already consulted pharmaceutical companies, which confirmed that current stock levels remain sufficient for about three to four months.
However, he said price increases are now inevitable. Particular concern centres on anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin, which are imported from Israel.
While supplies have not yet been disrupted, the ministry is preparing contingency plans to source alternatives from countries such as India, China and those in Europe if the conflict continues. Registration procedures for substitute imports will also be accelerated.
Other potential pressure points include peritoneal dialysis fluid, which requires special-grade plastic containers that must be imported, and haemodialysis solutions supplied in large containers.
The authorities are exploring whether these containers can be reused or replaced with alternative packaging where necessary.
Beyond drug supply, the ministry is also preparing adjustments to healthcare services. Hospitals will be encouraged to expand telemedicine for outpatient care, with usage targeted to rise from 10% to 30%.
Prescription refill periods may be shortened from four months to one or two months, with greater use of medicine delivery services.
Healthcare facilities are also being urged to cut energy use, expand solar power installation and reduce paper consumption.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Ekachai Piensriwatchara said additional measures covering drug management, energy use, healthcare services and telemedicine are expected to be announced within the next one to two days.
Draft measures to address potential shortages and price increases are currently being finalised for approval.
Somruek stressed that the measures are not intended to reduce the quality of care, but to ensure that resources are managed efficiently and fairly in the face of potential disruption. — The Nation/ANN
