Commerce Ministry announces drug price control measures

supawadee wangsri

 

 

BANGKOK, 1 June 2019 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce began to take measure to regulate drug prices on May 30 after discovering that some private hospitals overcharge patients for drugs. Drug dealers have been instructed to submit the purchase and sale prices of over 3,800 items under the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) program to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT). They are also required to inform the DIT of the raised prices 15 days before the prices will be raised.

 

DIT Director General Wichai Photchanakij disclosed that the measure to regulate drug price has been effective from May 30 onwards. Private hospitals, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must submit the purchase and sale prices of items including medicine, medical supplies and medical services under the UCEP program to the DIT. Initially, there are now 3,892 items reported to the DIT. If they wish to adjust the drug prices, they are required to inform the DIT of the adjusted prices 15 days before the prices will be adjusted. The violators are subject to an imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of not exceeding 20,000 baht or both. They will be fined for no more than 2,000 baht per day throughout the violation or until they will notify the DIT of the raised price. Prices of medicines must be shown via QR codes for private hospitals to allow people to access information about drug prices clearly prepared by the DIT. They also must evaluate the initial treatment fee and inform the patients of the prices of medicines, medical supplies and medical service fees before selling or providing service.

 

As for the distribution of drugs for outpatients, the hospitals must issue a prescription according to a professional standard and a drug price notification with clear details including the trade name, the quantity, the method of use and the unit price for the patients in advance. Failure to comply could lead to a fine of up to 100,000 baht and/or not more than five years in jail. If a complaint is filed and there is proof of overpricing, the violator will be punished with an imprisonment of not exceeding seven years and/or a fine of not exceeding 140,000 baht.

 

-- © Copyright nnt 2019-06-02

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I guess they will keep their profits up in other ways, more bill padding, service fees going up

Seemingly good news...but maybe the silver cloud has a dark lining somewhere else?

9 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I guess they will keep their profits up in other ways, more bill padding, service fees going up

Whats the point in fining an organisation that's business is about making money?

If they break the law Jail the top man !