Unlocking access: a comprehensive analysis of medicines accessibility for rare diseases in Thailand

In Thailand, obtaining medicines for rare diseases presents significant challenges, with limited evidence highlighting these issues.

To evaluate the accessibility of medicines and the extent of health insurance coverage for treatments of rare diseases in Thailand.

This study utilized a thorough review of current health policies, drug registration database, and insurance coverage conditions. Additionally, procurement data from the Ministry of Finance was analyzed to verify the acquisition of medicines intended for the treatment of rare diseases.

A review of the availability and procurement of medicines for rare diseases in Thailand revealed considerable limitations in both registration and accessibility. According to the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium, only 46.80% of their recommended medicines were registered in Thailand, and of these, just 22.93% were included in the national essential medicines list. Additionally, a review of the state's pharmaceutical procurement dataset over the past 5 years showed that merely 31.70% of these registered drugs had been purchased from suppliers for use in hospitals.

To address these issues, the study recommended accelerating the approval process for rare disease medicines, expanding health insurance coverage, establishing financial support for patients, and creating a specific pricing policy for orphan drugs. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders were emphasized as crucial for improving access to essential medicines and enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with rare diseases in Thailand.