KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- ASEAN member states have declared their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to improve drug security through the ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR) initiative and the Framework on Regional Collaboration for ADSSR.
In a declaration adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday, member states also committed to strengthening the continuum of medicine’s life cycle from production, registration, procurement and distribution.
This is to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and availability of safe, efficacious and quality-assured medicines at all times.
“This may be achieved through an enhanced platform of communication and data sharing related to this priority to ensure successful collaboration across all domains,” according to the declaration shared with the media following the conclusion of the summit and related summits yesterday.
The declaration emphasised the alignment of regulatory pathways among ASEAN member states and collaboration in the procurement and supply of pharmaceutical products, especially during public health emergencies.
According to the declaration, this will ensure uninterrupted and timely supply of pharmaceutical products among member states, adding that regulations and legislations should be in place to allow the use of unregistered products during public health emergencies in some countries.
ASEAN countries also pledged to cooperate on research and development (R&D) for new medicines targeting diseases unique to the region, as well as collaborate on the manufacturing of needed medicines that meet quality standards within member states.
Member states also reaffirmed the potential collaboration on the development of a regional medicine pooled procurement system, considering possible regional limitations.
“This is essential to increase negotiation power and maximise cost saving in all ASEAN countries, especially with the help of existing information sharing platforms such as Price Information Exchange for Medicines (PIEMEDS).
“Mutual understanding needs to be strengthened among ASEAN member states and between the private and government sectors in every member state,” according to the declaration.
It said that ASEAN health ministers have been tasked to cooperate with other ministers, relevant sectoral bodies and stakeholders to implement the declaration, mobilise resources, and monitor and report on progress, using all appropriate instruments based on national laws and policies.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, which drew leaders and high-level delegations from ASEAN and partner countries, was held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
-- BERNAMA
