NHSO promotes Thai-made medical innovations in universal healthcare scheme

2026-03-12 - 09:24

BANGKOK — The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is pushing to integrate Thai-developed medical innovations into Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, with more than 7 billion baht already spent on domestically produced medical products to strengthen the healthcare system while boosting the national economy. The policy direction was outlined at a forum titled “Thai-made, Thai-used, Thai benefits: Medical innovation in the universal healthcare system” held on 12 March at the Khaosod building in Bangkok. The event was organised by the NHSO in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). Participants included NHSO deputy secretary-general Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, TCELS director Dr. Jitporn Thammajinda, Medical Device Control Division director Piya Chinmanee-wong, acting director of Mae Wong Hospital Dr. Preeda Prathumma, and Udon Thani Hospital physician Dr. Somsit Nitithananon. The forum also featured patients who have benefited from Thai-developed innovations, including dental implant recipient Pradit Buengklang and personalised titanium skull implant recipient Manisa Unanont. Dr. Jadet Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the NHSO Dr. Jadet Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the NHSO, said the initiative stems from the management of Thailand’s large national health fund, which has an annual budget of nearly 200 billion baht and continues to grow each year. While rising healthcare spending is often seen as a cost burden, he said it could instead be used strategically to support domestic innovation and industry. “Every year policymakers ask why healthcare spending continues to increase,” Dr. Jadet said. “But if we allocate part of this budget to products and innovations made in Thailand, the money will circulate within the country and benefit the economy through job creation and the development of the health industry.” He said past crises, particularly shortages of imported medical equipment, highlighted the risks of relying heavily on foreign supplies. Strengthening domestic medical manufacturing and innovation is therefore crucial for the resilience of Thailand’s healthcare system. Thailand is also entering an ageing society, which requires the economy to shift toward higher-value industries such as medical technology and health services. Under targets set in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan by the National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand aims to expand the value of health-related goods and services to around 300 billion baht annually, or about 1.7% of gross domestic product, while reducing imports of medical products by roughly 20 billion baht. Dr. Jadet said circulating such funds domestically could generate significant economic value. To support the policy, the NHSO has introduced mechanisms allowing Thai-developed medical innovations to enter the universal healthcare benefits system more easily through a special pathway known as the “Green Channel,” enabling research-backed products to be adopted more quickly. The office can also support bulk procurement contracts lasting three to five years or longer, providing market certainty for manufacturers and researchers while allowing them to reinvest revenue into further innovation. According to Dr. Jadet, the policy has already produced concrete results. In the past year alone, the NHSO purchased more than 7 billion baht worth of medical products and innovations manufactured in Thailand. However, this remains a small portion of the nearly 200-billion-baht annual health fund, and authorities aim to increase the share of locally produced medical technologies in the future. Examples of Thai-developed innovations already entering the healthcare system include artificial intelligence-powered X-ray imaging systems, artificial skull implants, dynamic prosthetic feet that allow more natural movement, and diagnostic test kits developed by Thai researchers. Other locally produced products include ostomy bags made from Thai natural rubber and dental implants manufactured domestically, which help reduce treatment costs and improve access to healthcare services. Thailand also has the capacity to produce important medicines, including antiviral drugs manufactured by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, which can lower treatment costs and potentially be exported abroad. Looking ahead, the NHSO is monitoring progress in advanced medical research such as targeted cancer therapy and personalised medicine being developed by Thai scientists. If successfully produced in Thailand, these innovations could be incorporated into the universal healthcare system, allowing patients to access advanced treatments at more affordable prices. Dr. Jadet said the policy aims not only to strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system but also to stimulate the economy by promoting innovation, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s long-term competitiveness.