Abstract
Background: In Thailand, since the first report 16 years ago, the Thai FDA has established several
committees to address drug pricing issues. However, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation
on the progress and effectiveness of these committees, which is crucial for developing and managing
Thailand's drug pricing policy.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the current drug pricing situation in Thailand and develop
policy recommendations to enhance the drug pricing system. Specific objectives include assessing
drug prices in public and private sectors, analyzing pricing structures, and evaluating the availability
of essential medicines.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using WHO/Health Action International (HAI)
methodology. Data collection focused on the availability and affordability of medicines in various
healthcare settings, including public and private sectors.
Results:
Public Sector: Innovator brands were procured at nearly twice their international reference prices,
and generics at lower than reference prices. Public sector patient prices showed significant markups.
Private Sector: Innovator brands were sold at 6.40 times and generics at 4.71 times their international
reference prices.
Availability: Essential medicines had variable availability rates, with some widely accessible and others
less so.
Price Components: Imported drug prices included significant margins at each stage from
manufacturing to consumer.
Affordability: Most drugs were affordable, except for high-cost items like Epoetin alfa injection.
International Comparison: Many drugs in Thailand were cheaper than in other countries, but some
generics were more expensive.
Conclusions: The study highlights key issues in drug pricing and availability in Thailand. It recommends
that policymakers establish an institute to regularly monitor and report drug price index. Additionally,
it suggests developing an appropriate drug pricing policy to regulate prices throughout the supply
chain.
