Antiviral drug on the way from China

Some 120,000 tablets of Favipiravir, an antiviral drug, will be imported for the battle against Covid-19, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday (March 18).

He said the ministry had negotiated the deal with the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, by which manufacturers of drugs and medical supplies are being made for and sold to Thailand.

The Chinese government approved the deal and is in the process of confirming the arrangements, Anutin said.

“For peace of mind, we need 50,000 tablets of Favipiravir,” he said. “There are already 80,000 tablets in stock, but we’re going to buy another 120,000 to hold in reserve. If we can get 200,000 tablets, that would be enough for all the virus patients in Thailand.”

Negotiations have also been successfully completed for the import of coverall suits known as personal protective equipment (PPE) and facemasks, especially high-grade N95 masks, for use by medical personnel, the minister said.

Those are to be sent to the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation for distribution.

The Department of Medical Science will meanwhile inspect protective medical clothing manufactured in Thailand, ensuring it matches the standards of certified PPE and, if not, improving the quality.