Bangkok: JSP recommends that the government promote research and development to help reduce drug import costs and supports government policies to increase drug options. The company revealed that up to 90% of drug ingredients must be imported, and that automated drug dispensing machines should be added to expand access for the public. Mr. Sittichai Daengprasert, Chief Executive Officer of JSP Pharmaceutical Industry (Thailand) Public Company Limited (JSP), revealed that the government’s policy to promote public access to medicines to reduce costs by providing more options for people to bring their prescriptions to purchase medicines at pharmacies, thereby alleviating overcrowding at public hospitals, is a policy that will have broad positive effects on the Thai economy and society.
According to Thai News Agency, JSP is ready to support the government’s policy of producing quality medicines, increasing choices for Thais and reducing drug import costs. JSP also revealed that the key to the Thai pharmaceutical industry is supporting R and D to reduce the import of raw materials, as 90% of the research currently cannot be conducted independently. While Thai herbal medicines are a viable alternative, public relations efforts to educate and educate consumers about their correct use are lacking, leading to a lack of confidence. Therefore, it is recommended that laws be amended to allow 24-hour vending machines to dispense prescription-strength drugs. This will allow doctors and pharmacists to offer online services to increase accessibility.
According to the FDA, Thailand has over 150 GMP-certified pharmaceutical factories, most of which import raw materials from abroad, nearly 90%. Therefore, research and development of its own raw materials is needed to replace imported pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, Thai herbal medicines are a good alternative, but lack of publicity to ensure accurate indications and use are lacking, leading some people to lack confidence in their use as alternative medicines.
It is also believed that enacting a law allowing the sale of a wide range of drugs through 24-hour vending machines would further enhance the effectiveness of government policy, as it would facilitate patients’ ability to pick up prescriptions at vending machines, where doctors or pharmacists can provide online services, a practice known as telepharmacy or telemedicine. If the law were amended to allow vending machines to include prescription-only dangerous drugs, it would significantly reduce public health inequality.