BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is advancing its public health agenda for 2026-2030 with a strong focus on strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical security through the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), according to Pattana Promphat, the Public Health Minister.
The initiative aims to improve access to high-quality medicines at affordable prices, reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals, and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness through three strategic priorities:
- Increasing domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity for self-reliance;
- Promoting the appropriate use of medicines and medical products for people of all ages;
- Expanding vaccine productions and procurement capacity for national health security.
The GPO plays a crucial role in the production and distribution of medicines and medical supplies. From 2026 to 2030, it generated average annual revenue of 16,873 million baht (approximately US$507 million), contributed around 8,177 million baht (US$245 million) to the Government’s revenue, and helped the public sector save an estimated 5,292 million baht (US$159 million) each year.
The Ministry is also positioning Thailand as a hub for medical and wellness services. To support this goal, five organizations from the public sector, academia, and the private sector recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Thai Wellness Therapist Program. The three-year partnership will develop highly qualified wellness professionals who meet international standards, while promoting traditional Thai medicine, Thai massage, Thai herbal medicine, and tourism as key drivers of the sustainable economic growth, establishing Thailand as a global wellness hub. (PRD)
