DSI to inspect delayed vaccine factory

Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong will send a letter to the World Health Organisation (WHO) seeking to clarify whether it has advised the factory to upgrade its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards because that could affect the construction.
The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) is responsible for the construction of the factory in Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi district. The factory would produce vaccines for influeza and avian flu.
The GPO has said the WHO advised it to increase the GMP standard from 2 to 2+.
If the WHO replies that it never gave such advice, the Public Health Ministry would investigate, Pradit said.
Construction is also stalled on another GPO facility, an HIV-drug factory in Pathum Thani. Pradit said he expected to receive a clear explanation on the two-year delay from the GPO’s board within the next few weeks. Reportedly, the delay has been caused by problems with the factory’s humidity controls, he said.
If he does not get a clear explanation and evidence about the delay, Pradit said he would lodge a complaint with DSI.