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Thai Pharmacies Join Cost-Cutting Prescription Scheme

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A new initiative by Thailand's FDA will allow patients receiving care from private hospitals to purchase prescribed medications from 3,400 participating pharmacies. The program, named ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ ('Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet'), intends to lower healthcare costs and is set to launch on November 4, 2025. This move is part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), and the Private Hospital Association.

 

The FDA Secretary-General, Supatra Boonserm, highlighted that the scheme is aimed at providing patients with prescription flexibility and reducing drug expenses. To qualify for participation, pharmacies must meet specific criteria, including employing licensed pharmacists during operating hours and the ability to dispense medications within 24 hours. As of October 27, 3,400 pharmacies have already registered, out of around 20,000 nationwide.

 

The FDA plans to introduce a ‘Pharmacy Near Me’ website and mobile application, enabling patients to locate nearby participating pharmacies, check their drug availability, and confirm the pharmacist on duty. The app is expected to go live in time for the project’s official launch at Government House on November 4. Supatra emphasized that only drugs listed on a doctor's prescription will be dispensed, with substitutions requiring approval from both the patient and the issuing hospital.

 

Among the conditions set, some medications like injections and controlled substances will not be dispensed by pharmacies without appropriate licenses. Any substitutions involving different brands with identical active ingredients must receive consent from the patient and the hospital. Post-launch, the FDA, along with the DHSS and Private Hospital Association, will establish a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure patient safety and the scheme's effectiveness.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The initiative will cut medication costs for patients using private hospital prescriptions.
  • A new app will help patients find eligible pharmacies and check medication availability.
  • The program launches November 4, aiming to enhance healthcare affordability.

 

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image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-10-29

 

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16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The program, named ‘Suk-Kai Sabai-Krapao’ ('Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet')

Empty wallet

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Empty wallet

Whose wallet might that be? The hospital’s, maybe? 

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