Drug policy and administration affecting quality of life of the poor in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze drug policy and administration affecting quality of life of the poor in Thailand. Method: Review of official reports and related documents, for the past 10 years (from 2000-2010). Results: By imposing compulsory licensing, the Thai government maintains negotiating power over the price of pharmaceutical products with the patent holders of the original drugs. This gives an opportunity for relevant government agencies to produce or import patented drugs. At present, there are many problems and obstacles. The findings show that developing countries need to strengthen their negotiating power so that the pharmaceutical manufacturers cannot take advantage through mechanisms provided for such as compulsory licensing and provisions for flexibility in Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. Furthermore, these countries must support and empower the local pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce generic drugs. Conclusion and Recommendations: Developing countries should ensure that their populations have confidence in universal coverage service and medical systems regarding the quality of generic drugs. © PROBOOK 2011.