Abstract
Thai Pharmaceutical Industry:Present Status and Potential-Future TrendThe purpose of this study was to find appropriate means to support and strengthen the pharmaceutical industry. The present status and potential of the industry were analyzed and the future trend of technology was predicted. The study comprised two parts. The first one involved a brain storming session among 34 participants from both private and governmental sectors including one FDA personnel. Sending a questionnaire to the pharmaceutical manufacturers asking about their activities was the second part of the study. Twenty six factories, 2 of which did not obtain GMP certificates, responded to the questionnaire. It could be concluded that the nature of the industry was formulation process. The research and development dealt with formulation and process improvement. The industry received little support in production and quality control aspects from both the government and the universities. However, satisfactory support was received in the areas of GMP improvement and drug importation. Approximately 90% of the raw materials was imported while only 6% of the finished products was exported. Most formulations were generic products. Due to a lack of technology and expensive equipment, very little products required sophisticate technique. To develop and strengthen the industry, fair competition should be stressed. Instead of emphasizing low pricing, the government should urge the manufacturers to concern more in the quality of the products. The study indicated that Thai industry had a potential to develop and compete with the neighboring countries. It was believed that both the numbers of factories and drug registration would be declined. If the government authority supported fair and free competition and reviewed the low-priced bidding policy, in addition to the universities’ assistance, the pharmaceutical industry would be moving forward.
