GPO says essential medicine stocks sufficient to meet demand for up to one year
PUBLISHED : 5 Mar 2026 at 06:56
The Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring potential drug price inflation amid unrest in the Middle East, with possible intervention in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce if necessary.
The public health system has yet to experience any direct impact from the escalating conflict in the region, acting Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said on Wednesday.
He has instructed state agencies to review national stockpiles of medicines and medical equipment, while also assessing suppliers’ capacity to maintain deliveries in the event of shipping disruptions or logistical delays.
Mr Pattana said contingency measures are being prepared to prevent shortages, adding an “out-of-stock” situation is unlikely unless the conflict intensifies or drags on for an extended period.
Authorities are compiling comprehensive data to enable swift policy responses should circumstances change.
While expressing confidence the unrest will not be prolonged, he acknowledged concerns over possible price speculation.
“The situation remains normal,” he said. “However, there is a possibility of excessive pricing for certain medicines. We will closely monitor developments and, if necessary, coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce to regulate prices and protect consumers.”
The minister added the ministry continues to pursue policies aimed at strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce reliance on imported drugs.
Despite progress, Thailand still faces structural limitations, particularly in the production of precursor chemicals, most of which are supplied by international companies.
The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation says essential medicines are stocked in sufficient quantities to meet demand for up to one year. Recent inspections of pharmaceutical inventories found production capacity and supply chains were stable.