Enhanced production of COVID-19 medication amidst surging infections in Thailand
Thailand Witnesses Record COVID-19 Surge
Amidst an escalating COVID-19 situation, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has hastened the production of antiviral medications favipiravir and molnupiravir to counteract the mounting infections in Thailand.
The predominant strain currently circulating within the country is the highly transmissible JN1, according to GPO director Mingkwan Suphanpong. Individuals who contract the virus may exhibit minimal symptoms, making detection challenging, as noted by Mingkwan on Tuesday.
Factors such as public gatherings and the rainy season have contributed to a substantial rise in cases, placing COVID-19 within the endemic disease category.
As reported on Monday, Thailand recorded a staggering 53,597 new cases and five additional fatalities between May 18-24. Regrettably, this has increased the total death toll for the year to 46.
Since early May, the GPO has/has been manufacturing 1.75 million favipiravir pills and 3.36 million molnupiravir capsules to bolster treatment efforts. The acceleration of distribution activities has commenced since May 23, with deliveries to 13 hospitals in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on May 24, as well as to 315 medical facilities nationwide. Further supplies will be dispatched on Wednesday and early next week.
In addition, the GPO has/has been securing additional raw materials for drug production, ensuring emergency preparedness. Production modifications will be implemented according to the prevailing circumstances.
Dr. Mingkwan advises the public to exercise caution by wearing masks in crowded or poorly-ventilated places, frequently washing hands, refraining from unnecessary face touching, and promptly seeking medical attention if symptoms manifest. For those experiencing severe symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Virologist Yong Poovorawan predicts that the COVID-19 caseload in Thailand in 2025 is likely to surpass last year's totals, but the disease is seasonal and less severe, resulting in fewer fatalities. Given these factors, many patients prefer to self-treat.
"The COVID-19 surge will likely peak when the new school term commences and diminish from late June through July," states Dr. Yong. He anticipates influenza and other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to follow in the footsteps of COVID-19 outbreaks, from July to November.
Although medical supplies and medications for COVID-19 have been deemed sufficient, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin warns that vulnerable groups remain at risk. There are currently no plans for school closures, but screenings are mandatory.
In regards to the emerging strains, the Omicron JN.1 variant remains the most predominant in Thailand, accounting for approximately 64% of the cases since January 2024. On the other hand, the XEC variant, a recombinant Omicron subvariant, has also been gaining ground, with its rapid spread posing a significant challenge.
This ongoing COVID-19 situation warrants continued vigilance and the diligent observance of public health measures in light of the emergence of variants with enhanced transmissibility.
The Thai government is enhancing the production of antiviral medications like favipiravir and molnupiravir to address the medical-conditions related to the COVID-19 surge, serving as a crucial health-and-wellness approach within the endemic disease category. As Thailand battles an escalating caseload, virologist Yong Poovorawan predicts that the disease will remain an issue in 2025, with the potential for increased cases but decreased fatalities, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and protective measures against COVID-19 and other related medical-conditions.
