Situation and Readiness of Traditional Medicine Manufacturers in Public Health Region 3 to Adopt the Fundamental Manufacturing Practices for Traditional Medicine B.E. 2559

Abstract

Objective: To survey situation of traditional medicine manufacturers in Public Health Region 3, and assess their readiness in terms of knowledge, needed time, budget, problems and barriers to adopt the Fundamental Manufacturing Practices for Traditional Medicines B.E. 2559 (FMP). Methods: This study was a descriptive study. The subjects were 23 traditional medicine manufacturers in Public Health Region 3, including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet and Chai Nat, willing to participate in the study. Data were collected during June to September 2019 with a questionnaire through the interview, observation and assessment of traditional medicine manufacturing sites. Data collection and analysis were based on five domains including domain 1 quality management, domain 2 personnel, domain 3 premises and equipment, domain 4 documentation and domain 5 sampling inspection. Results: Manufacturers had an overall score at 27.42%. Domain with a highest average score was quality management (43.9%), and that with a lowest average score was documentation (3.79%). There was only one traditional medicine manufacturer having the scores over 50% in all 5 domains. The manufacturers needed more than five years to fully adopt the FMP. Domain needing most intensive investment was premises and equipment. The problem and barrier in traditional medicine production was difficulties in adopting FMP. The problem and barrier in distribution was lower popularity of traditional medicine among new generation. The problem and barrier in policy was frequent changes in the FMP. Conclusion: Traditional medicine manufactures in Public Health Region 3 were not readiness to follow the FMP and, needed more than five years to fully adopt it. The manufactures should be supported by both public and private sectors in providing budget, development of innovation in production and formula for traditional medicines, expert, marketing, and distribution channels in order to preserve Thai traditional medicines.