(PRLEAP.COM) By 2004, Thailand had recovered from its financial crisis and most economic indicators were approaching or had surpassed pre-crisis levels.

While problems remain, Thailand has recovered from the financial crisis and most economic indicators are approaching or have surpassed pre-crisis levels. The government’s willingness to co-operate with international aid projects and economic policies have helped restore confidence in the economy and spurred growth.
Healthcare sector development, which decelerated considerably as a result of the recession, has begun to pick up again spending-wise and was revived policy-wise with the introduction of the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme in 2001. The private sector is also recovering, albeit slower. During the crisis, a reported 200 private hospitals went bankrupt.

The Thai pharmaceutical market is estimated to be worth US$1.32 billion in 2004, with real market growth of around 6% and a per capita spending of US$21. While import levels for modern drugs are approaching pre-crisis levels again, the market remains dominated by generics. The OTC sector has profited in a similar fashion. The government’s relationship with the international pharmaceutical industry continues to be uneasy, largely due to the country’s lax patent laws and preferential treatment of domestic producers.

While the introduction of the 30 baht scheme was welcomed by many, it has also been criticised heavily for providing substandard treatment and doubts remain about the scheme’s long-term viability. However, the government remains hopeful that in the long term universal health coverage can be achieved. Arguably this would open the pharmaceutical industry to an estimated 18 million Thais currently without health insurance of any description. However, only very basic medication is covered and most drug consumption is still met by out-of-pocket payments. In a bid to support the scheme’s scope and medicinal coverage in particular, in October 2002 the Health Ministry announced proposals to lower the price of common medicines by around 50%. This price adjustment was made possible due to the increase in drug manufacturing capacity of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) in recent years.

These pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data for raw materials and finished products and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year.

Contents
Background Data
Geography
Political Overview
Economic Overview
Population
Demographic Indicators
Mortality
Morbidity
Hiv/Aids
Sars
Charts
Organisation & Administration
Health Expenditure
Hospital Services
Ambulatory Care
Medical Personnel
Charts
Accessing The Pharmaceutical Market
Introduction
Regulatory Environment
Distribution Channels
Trade Fairs
Pharmaceutical Imports
Domestic Production
Directory

“The Pharmaceutical Market: Thailand” is available from Piribo. For more information go to: http://www.piribo.com/publications/country/asia_pacific/thailand/pharmaceutical_market_thailand.html

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