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January 19, 2021
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The Ministry of Public Health announces the acquisition of the COVID-19 vaccine without delay, adhering to safety and quality principles
Today (January 19, 2021) at the 2019 coronavirus situation press conference center, the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi Province, Dr. Kiatphum Wongrajit, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, together with Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director General of the Department of Medical Sciences Dr. Opaskarn Kawinpong, MD. Director General of the Department of Disease Control and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of the National Vaccine Institute (Public Organization) jointly announce the facts of the Covid 19 vaccine
Dr. Kiattaphum Wongrajit, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health Said the Ministry of Health. Recognize the grace of the Royal Thai Monarchy for medical and public health that laid the foundations and developed in various fields. It is not inferior to any country in the world. Including the granting of assets on various occasions Develop buildings Medical supplies to cover the care of the people By the reign of King Vachiraklao His Highness provided advice and encouragement in the control and prevention of COVID 19, and also granted his personal assets worth more of 4 billion baht to use for renovations. Medical supplies / medical equipment To support during the COVID-19 epidemic, such as ambulances, 20 biosecurity sampling vehicles, personal protective clothing. A mask, a bag and an alcohol gel. It is our royal grace to support effective disease control.
“Now there are some doubts about the COVID 19 vaccine procurement process in Thailand on various issues. Both the expensive delayed acquisition of the vaccine does not cover the public. Or only 1-2 vaccine companies were contacted The Ministry of Public Health wants to make it clear to the public that the vaccine procurement operation is based on clear evidence. There are discussions with several companies that make the vaccine. Adhere to the principles of quality and safety, “said Dr. Kiatphum.
Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director General of the Department of Medical Sciences He said that since the start of the COVIC epidemic, the government has viewed the vaccine as one of the important tools for immunization to the level that it can reduce transmission. But not all of them are epidemic control tools. Confirming that vaccination was not delayed But the procurement process began in mid-2020 with the creation of several working groups Come study and follow up on the information In terms of performance, quality and safety But during that time, the information was limited and the vaccine was not a finished product. Therefore, you must have foresight and planning. With the goal of 2021 to find a vaccine for Thais that covers 50% of the population, from three channels: the first channel through the COVAX 20% program, which is has negotiated several times with covax In the coordination of international agencies Therefore, there may be some difficulties to subscribe But still in negotiation and waiting for progress
Second channel Subscription and receipt of technology transfer from AstraZeneca. To be able to produce at the national level by Siam BioScience Co., Ltd., 26 million doses or 20% of the population and channel 3 of other companies 10% by periodically monitoring the results of the experiment. It is important to support national research and development for vaccines that will have long-term benefits. Confirm that no single company was selected. But there are plans in advance and strategies or approaches are adjusted depending on the situation, such as receiving a Sinovac vaccine. Come for the injection during February – April. And there are also negotiations to buy more from AstraZeneca. Bring the vaccine to 50% of the population by the end of 2021 and expand to cover more people the following year. It is considered not to lag compared to other countries. But be careful in the process
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Dr. Opaskarn Kawinpong, MD. The Director General of the Department of Disease Control said research and development of general vaccines took around 10 years, but the COVID-19 vaccine was injected into Thais. It is an emergency use. The process has been adjusted faster but is still cautious. The vaccine must be effective and safe. Through scientifically proven processes By the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with experts to consider Do not act under pressure or follow other countries Currently, there are 2 companies that present information to the FDA, astraZeneca is in the process of being considered and they are in the process of negotiation with 4 other companies. What to bring evidence to show with the FDA
For the price of the vaccine At the beginning of the outbreak, the price of the vaccine per dose was estimated at about 1,000 baht, but the subscription to AstraZeneca was $ 5 per dose, or about 150 baht compared to other companies. You can see that the price is reasonable. I would like people to have confidence that the Ministry of Public Health is prudent. When using the vaccine, considering efficacy and safety Provide Thais with protection against disease and safety when receiving vaccines.
Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of the National Vaccine Institute, said that Siam BioScience Co., Ltd. is the recipient of the AstraZeneca technology transfer. Because it has modern technology It has the potential and the willingness to accept Viral Vector technology under the most urgent conditions. It has been evaluated for the properties of AstraZeneca, such as being able to be a production base of 200 million doses per year, etc., without choosing any private sector to do it. The government has supported the development of about 600 million baht, which the company has expressed its intention in the contract that When the vaccine meets the standards set by AstraZeneca. Will return the vaccine equal to the amount sponsored.
