Problems in the Drug System Related to Household Medicine Classification Criteria: A Gap Analysis for Modernizing the Criteria
Author(s)
Parun Rutjanathamrong, LL.M.1, Tuangrat Phodha, Ph.D.1, Kittiya Juntarathaneewat, BCIDP1, Thanawat Wongphan, M.D.2, Phuri Charoensuk, Pharm.D.1, Jidapa Srisawad, Pharm.D.1, Thanwarat Kaewkhem, Pharm.D.1, Niyada Kiatying-Angsulee, Ph.D.3, Suntaree Watcharadamrongkun, Ph.D.4, Noppakun Thammatacharee, Ph.D.5;
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand, 2Health Provincial Office Nakorn Nayok, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand, 3Drug System Monitoring and Development Center, Social Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, 4Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 5Health Systems Research Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand, 2Health Provincial Office Nakorn Nayok, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand, 3Drug System Monitoring and Development Center, Social Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, 4Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 5Health Systems Research Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Drug classification should not consider only accessibility but also the risks associated with drug use as a classification criterion. This study aims to examine the pain points and concepts related to household medicine classification criteria in Thailand.
METHODS: This research employs a multi-method qualitative approach comprising two phases. Phase 1 involves a literature review of Thailand's household medicine classification criteria over the past 20 years (2005-2024), analyzing the conceptual framework of the criteria. Phase 2 consists of in-depth interviews with stakeholders involved in establishing household medicine classification criteria. Content analysis was performed, followed by a synthesis of findings from both phases to develop policy recommendations addressing gaps in the current Thai household medicine classification system.
RESULTS: Previous household medicine classification criteria in Thailand were established based on two types of data: (1) epidemiological disease data, which indicates the public health necessity for basic self-care and drug accessibility, and (2) drug safety data, which is determined by various risk factors including drug abuse, antimicrobial resistance, and severe adverse reactions. Results from in-depth interviews identified gaps in the household medicine classification criteria, specifically the need for risk-benefit study data and therapeutic category information that aligns with current treatment guidelines. However, criteria improvements should involve public consultation with citizens, who are directly affected by drug classification in terms of self-care, drug accessibility, and drug information access. Additionally, consultation with pharmaceutical manufacturers is necessary, as changes may impact drug production processes, production costs, and manufacturing feasibility, ensuring alignment with public needs.
CONCLUSIONS: Future classification criteria should maintain a balance between improving drug accessibility and maintaining public safety, while considering the dynamic nature of medical advances and evolving healthcare needs. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare authorities in developing more robust and responsive drug classification systems in Thailand.
METHODS: This research employs a multi-method qualitative approach comprising two phases. Phase 1 involves a literature review of Thailand's household medicine classification criteria over the past 20 years (2005-2024), analyzing the conceptual framework of the criteria. Phase 2 consists of in-depth interviews with stakeholders involved in establishing household medicine classification criteria. Content analysis was performed, followed by a synthesis of findings from both phases to develop policy recommendations addressing gaps in the current Thai household medicine classification system.
RESULTS: Previous household medicine classification criteria in Thailand were established based on two types of data: (1) epidemiological disease data, which indicates the public health necessity for basic self-care and drug accessibility, and (2) drug safety data, which is determined by various risk factors including drug abuse, antimicrobial resistance, and severe adverse reactions. Results from in-depth interviews identified gaps in the household medicine classification criteria, specifically the need for risk-benefit study data and therapeutic category information that aligns with current treatment guidelines. However, criteria improvements should involve public consultation with citizens, who are directly affected by drug classification in terms of self-care, drug accessibility, and drug information access. Additionally, consultation with pharmaceutical manufacturers is necessary, as changes may impact drug production processes, production costs, and manufacturing feasibility, ensuring alignment with public needs.
CONCLUSIONS: Future classification criteria should maintain a balance between improving drug accessibility and maintaining public safety, while considering the dynamic nature of medical advances and evolving healthcare needs. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare authorities in developing more robust and responsive drug classification systems in Thailand.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
HPR159
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Reimbursement & Access Policy
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas