Thailand’s health ministry could allow private clinics to offer Covid-19 treatment such as Molnupiravir tablets, as part of the move to declare the virus endemic. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit says not all Covid patients will require antiviral drugs and for those with only mild symptoms, Fah Talai Jone capsules will suffice.
However, for patients with more severe symptoms, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration could allow private clinics to offer various treatment options.
“The FDA approved antiviral drugs, namely Favipiravir, Molnupiravir, and Paxlovid, will be given to patients in the yellow group, or those with moderate symptoms, at the physician’s discretion. Doctors will also decide whether the patient should receive a Remdesivir injection and long-acting antibody vaccine based on symptoms and health conditions. At present, these drugs must be prescribed by medical professionals only and are not available at general drug stores.”
According to a Nation Thailand report, Kiattiphum goes on to say that once Covid-19 has been declared an endemic disease in the kingdom, the health ministry plans to make more drugs and other treatment options more widely available. As part of this move, private clinics will be allowed to order supplies of Molnupiravir and sell it on to patients. The drug is currently only available to private hospitals via the health ministry.
“The ministry, through the Department of Health Service Support, is discussing with private hospitals, clinics, and the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation the setting up of a suitable timeframe for this move, which should be announced soon.”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
