AI In-brief 10 Sept 17:02

Pharmacy association expresses concern over telepharmacy expansion

The Thai Pharmacies Association warns that expanding commercial telepharmacy will not solve the nation's pharmacist shortage and poses a significant threat to independent community pharmacies.
Strict regulatory enforcement, requiring a licensed pharmacist on duty, has already forced over 3,000 pharmacies to close due to high operational costs, particularly in rural and tourist zones.
Current telepharmacy models are criticized for imposing steep commission fees on small operators and creating patient safety risks, including identity verification loopholes and the inability to observe vital physical symptoms.
The association proposes a "Telepharmacy Hub" model, where local pharmacies with trained assistants digitally connect patients to off-site pharmacists, aiming to ensure medication access in remote areas while prioritizing patient safety and community pharmacy survival.

AI In-brief Today 13:12

Ministry launches nationwide PCV vaccination for infants

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health launched a nationwide rollout of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for infants born from October 1, 2025, to protect against severe pneumococcal infections.
This three-dose regimen, developed in collaboration with health experts, aims to significantly reduce severe pediatric infections, addressing a rising trend of over 5,000 cases in children under five between 2023-2025.