This study was aimed to develop the annual report of national
drug account with the built-in information management system.
The system was designed to maximize benefits from data utilization
for every stakeholder. The 36-month study period (March 2009 to
February 2012) was divided into three phases: the configuration of
the core structure of the national drug account, the information management
system design and development, and finally, the system
testing.
Finding Summary
1. From paper-based report to electronics report
A major change resulted from this study was switching from
the traditional paper based to electronic submission of the annual report
of manufacturing and importing values by pharmaceutical companies.
With an intensive participatory research process from all crucial
stakeholders especially policy makers and key FDA officers, the
developed information management system was naturally integrated
into the routine work. All transcribed errors occurred from the paper-based system
were eliminated by this deliberate designed system. Other errors
were minimized through the standardization of all related variables.
This research had initiated a feedback report on market oriented information
to manufacturers and importers submitting data to FDA as
a recognition of mutual benefits.
2. 2010 National drug account
By the operation of this newly developed system, it was
found that for the year 2010, the value of the domestically manufactured
drugs (excluded repacking) was ฿ 46,895,753,521, the import
value was ฿ 99,663,791,612 and the export value was accounted for
฿ 12,077,467,549. The overall drug value of domestic consumption
(at consumer price) was ฿ 144,570,906,916. ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC
USE, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, and ALIMENTARY TRACT AND
METABOLISM were the three ATC groups with the highest consumption
respectively. New input data, the proportion of drug distributed via main
distribution channels, has been added into the 2010 annual report.
However, the data received did not adequately represent the market
value, since these data were never formally required and the platform
of electronic data entry process was quite complicated, causing
pharmaceutical companies had difficulty to comply. The distribution
channel survey was then conducted requesting overall distribution
percentage via 4 major channels from manufacturers and importers.
The itemized analysis on drug distribution could not be achieved.
The consumer price factor, price difference between net sale
price and listed price, for each channel of distribution was calculated
and used to adjust the overall domestic drug consumption at listed
price to derive national drug consumption at consumer price.
Policy Recommendations
FDA should amend the regulation on the additional required
input data, specifically the proportion of drug distribution via
main distribution channels.
FDA should set up a task force to maintain and update data
standard appended to the developed system.
FDA should develop a coordination network to ensure the
consistency in using the standardized data sets across all
involved departments and stakeholders.
FDA should develop and adhere 3-digits statistic coding system for pharmaceuticals based on ATC system by WHO/
CC to the 8-digits Harmonized System code of tariff. This
would facilitate data collection and verification of the report
on importing and exporting values.
Future Studies Recommendations
Calculate national drug consumption 2012.
Develop a comprehensive list of drugstores and hospitals to
be built-in as a supporting system for drug distribution and
mark-up variables.
Elaborate industry feedback information for example, sets of
indices monitoring drug market and consumption patterns.