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November 03, 2009 17:32 PM
Thailand Ready To Fight Second Wave Of A/H1N1 Flu With 35 Million Capsules
BANGKOK, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Thailand is prepared to fight the much-anticipated second wave of the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 flu, by stockpilling some 35 million capsules of the anti-flu drug 'Oseltamivir' in hospitals nationwide, Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) Director Dr Vithit Attavijjakul said Tuesday.
He said the second wave is expected to arrive this fall with the potential to cause a greater damage than the virus has caused so far, the Thailand news agency reported.
On the children's formula of the anti-flu drug, Dr Vithit said that the 30,000 to 40,000 capsules could be distributed immediately in all areas, if it is needed.
"The GPO is also ready to produce more anti-flu drugs for children, and the raw materials are available to produce a new lot of additional medication of 40 million capsules," the Thai news agency cited him as saying here.
In addition, Dr Vithit said that the GPO has stored lots of hand wash gel and sanitary masks to prevent the upcoming wave of Influenza Type A (H1N1) spread.
The GPO contacted local producers to make cloth sanitary masks to supply the GPO as they can be reused and help save costs.
Some European countries like Germany, Spain and France have expressed interest in GPO-produced hand gel, so the organisation plans to register its hand gel formula with the food and drug administrations in those countries.
After it is registered, Thailand expects to receive orders from overseas and build confidence in production's standard of the country.
-- BERNAMA
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