Role of WHO in national drug policy development Thailand

Abstract

Role of WHO in national drug policy development ThailandSince 1975 WHO has promoted the number states to develop National Drug Policies whereby the member state have, in turn, requested for WHO technical assistance in the following areas: guideline for national drug policy formulation, research and development, legal control, management and monitoring drug usage within the country; recommendations on selection of essential drug list to meet country base health needs at reasonable price; education and training for manpower development both in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and technology for further promotion of research, production, evaluation and management of prophylactic and therapeutic substances. In response to the request, WHO has provided continuing assistance to member states including Thailand in 3 major are as follows: guiding principles, relevant data and information for drug policy formulation, policy implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation; financial and technical assistance for implementing drug development projects in Thailand; support the government health manpower development to ensure effective implementation of the national drug policy and dispatch WHO technical consultants and experts as may be requested. Since the inception of the first National Drug Policy in 1981 Thailand has successfully implemented the policy to a considerable extend but there is still a need to undertake progressive step of operations to ensure sustainable development in the following areas : access of essential drugs with quality, standard and safety by all under equity consideration; rational use and prescription of drugs; efficient and effective drug monitoring system; development of the managerial process for effective drug policy implementation to ensure that objectives of the policy will be met.