BANGKOK, THAILAND – Three major hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai temporarily dispensed smaller amounts of medicines to outpatients to cushion potential shortages from energy-related supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.
Preventive steps, not confirmed shortages
The Siriraj Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital and Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital said the changes were aimed at cautious management of medicines and medical materials in light of increased risks in the supply chain.
All three facilities stressed that these were preventive steps to safeguard supplies, not a response to already occurring, documented shortages.
Siriraj limits prescriptions to one month
Siriraj Hospital had limited prescriptions for outpatients in all treatment systems to a maximum of one month per visit since 18 March.
For the remainder of the treatment period, patients were to receive follow-up prescriptions, which could either be delivered by post or collected at the hospital.
Ramathibodi sets two-month cap and expands digital services
Ramathibodi Hospital followed from 23 March and capped outpatient prescriptions per visit at a maximum of two months.
At the same time, the hospital expanded its telemedicine services, including through the RAMA App, to reduce travel and ease the workload of outpatient clinics.
Chiang Mai hospital caps refills and extends check-up intervals
Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital had already introduced a two-month upper limit per outpatient visit the previous day.
For longer intervals between appointments, follow-up deliveries were to be made by post, and the hospital recommended longer control intervals and more telemedicine for stable patients.
Ministry reports three to four months of national reserves
The deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, said national reserves of medicines and medical consumables were sufficient for about three to four months.
The Ministry of Public Health monitored supply and demand together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via an online inventory system covering 904 hospitals nationwide and coordinated with manufacturers and importers.
Focus on chronic and psychiatric medications
Particular attention was given to products that could become scarce more quickly if supply chains were disrupted, including medicines for chronic diseases and psychiatric indications.
Authorities aimed to intervene early so that patients would not be affected by sudden delivery failures or unevenly distributed stocks between hospitals.
Energy saving and fuel security for emergencies
Hospitals across the country were urged to implement energy-saving measures and to promote telemedicine and medicine delivery services to avoid unnecessary trips.
At the same time, clinics were asked to coordinate with fuel stations to ensure adequate fuel reserves remained available for emergency vehicles.