BANGKOK, 19 June 2015 – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has instructed hospitals to allow patients to buy their own medicines in a bid to solve overpriced drugs sold in the hospitals.
DIT Director General Boonyarit Kalayanamit said it was difficult for the DIT to keep prices of medicinal drugs under control because of the enormous number of types and brands of medicines sold in Thailand.
He elaborated that the DIT committee on solutions to overpriced drugs had resolved to require drug manufacturers and distributors to display prices on the packages and that all hospitals must sold drugs at the indicated prices. Hospitals must also allow patients to buy prescribed medicines at a pharmacy. The DIT Director General added that the Ministry of Public Health would later explain the new measures to those involved in an attempt to keep drugs at affordable prices.
The Central Committee on Goods and Services, which has the DIT as its secretary, will issue an official announcement on the measures before they can be enforced. Those violating this law will receive a maximum fine of 100,000 baht or a jail term of not more than 5 years or face both.
