Ministry committed to maintaining vaccine reserves
THAILAND HAS enough vaccines on hand for emergency situations, especially during an outbreak, as the country aims to produce its own supplies and join other Asean countries in exchanging knowledge for the health security of the region.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said on Monday that HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had given instructions for vaccines to be produced domestically so that the country could be self-reliant during normal times and emergencies.
His Majesty the King had supported the research and development of vaccines by Thai agencies over the past 60 years, Piyasakol said after the first National Vaccine Committee’s conference. The ministry and other agencies have agreed on a joint vision and mission to execute a five-year (2016-21) national vaccine policy and strategy to be implemented in parallel with the National Economic and Social Development Plan. That includes building a vaccine factory in 513 days.
The focus would be on ensuring enough vaccines for disease prevention in all situations, including any future epidemic.
The ministry would continue to be inspired by the royal support in developing and producing good quality vaccines for people and animals in sufficient quantities to satisfy the country’s own demands and the need for humanitarian aid in countries fighting disease outbreaks.
In the future, vaccine supplies would be properly reserved for domestic demand and managed efficiently to achieve maximum results.
The ministry was also prepared to cooperate with other Asean countries in projects to maintain vaccine reserves and ensure the region’s vaccine security, he added.
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