Factors relating COVID-19 vaccines procurement of Thailand Ministry of Public Health during pandemic situation

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study factors related COVID-19 vaccines procurement of Thailand Ministry of Public Health during pandemic situation. Data were collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews with 22 key informants from the Division of Communicable Diseases, the Institute of Urban Disease Control and Prevention, and 12 regional offices of the Department of Disease Control (Office of Disease Prevention and Control: ODPC). The results indicated that clear government policies were essential to support vaccine procurement during health emergencies. Notification of Ministry of Public Health specifying roles and responsibilities, along with the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccine registration, enabled timely vaccine distribution to risk groups. However, the existing procurement process, governed by the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017), was not suitable for health emergency situation. This law created limitations in budget allocation for advance vaccine reservations that required the reliance on further special measures, including emergency decrees and Notification of Ministry of Public Health. The study highlighted the inadequacy of existing laws and the need to enhance government bargaining power to avoid unilateral terms from suppliers. Thailand’s inability to produce vaccines domestically hindered price negotiations and increased financial burdens. Therefore, vaccine security policies should promote technology transfer for upstream vaccine production. Furthermore, changing pandemic dynamics and viral mutations significantly influenced procurement decisions. A flexible, adaptive procurement strategy and strengthened international collaboration were recommended to improve accessibility and cost-efficiency. Transitioning from a centralized procurement system to a more diversified and collaborative model might also enhance timely vaccine access. In conclusion, policy direction, procurement procedures, legal frameworks, budgetary flexibility, and international coordination were important factors that influenced COVID-19 vaccine procurement during pandemic emergency situation.