Many countries around the world are entering an aging society. It is predicted from World Population Prospects 2022 that by 2050, the number of elderly people over 65 years of age worldwide will increase to 16%, and the number of people aged 80 years and over will triple in the next 30 years, in line with this. With Thailand entering a fully aging society, where 1 in 5 of the total population, or approximately 13 million people, are over 60 years of age. Contrary to the decreasing number of new born children, Thailand is facing an aging society crisis. This is due to the fact that the Thai population is living longer. As a result, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly. Statistics from the Department of Elderly Affairs Ministry of Social Development and Human Security It is predicted that in 2025 Thailand will enter a fully aging society. This means that there will be people aged 60 years and over, accounting for 20% of the total population. This change in population structure affects the economic, social, and health services. Many seniors may face chronic health problems. Needs special care and attention Meanwhile, the existing health care system may not be sufficient to support the increasing demand. Meanwhile, there is a chance that there will be a shortage of medical personnel. hospital bed and other resources There are many of them as well. The quality of life of the elderly can only be good if they have strong physical and mental health. In order to have the freedom to live your life in your own way. Association of Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers (Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association) or ‘PReMA’ is therefore one of the organizations committed to supporting the pharmaceutical industry in Thailand. and promote the lifestyle of Thai people in the era of aging society Through research, research and development of innovative medicines to meet the health needs of these groups of people. The situation of the elderly society in Thailand when the number of elderly people in Thailand is increasing. This creates a need for care from the state and family. Because many groups face the problem of lack of income and lack of caretakers, affecting their well-being and making life difficult. Meanwhile, some groups lack preparation during retirement. resulting in insufficient income for living Both quality of life and health problems are affected at the same time. Dr. Kittima Sriwattanakul, Advisor for Government Relations Department The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PReMA) reveals the challenges in promoting a good quality of life in today’s aging society. “Thailand must continuously accelerate the development of its public health system while bringing in technology and innovations in medicine and health to help improve the quality of life of the elderly in Thailand. Because if in the future there is no good plan to deal with the aging society There is a lack of serious health care support. or access to innovative medicines to relieve or treat symptoms that do not make them worse is difficult. Health expenses for the elderly will continue to increase. both in terms of personal burden and government budget burden.” Limitations in treatment of health problems that are inevitable as Thailand enters a fully aging society. causing them to face health challenges from the elderly Both from congenital disease Diseases related to the nervous system and brain Bone and joint problems Including common health problems such as falls, difficulty walking, insomnia, depression, including a number of elderly people who are sick and become bedridden. These are health problems that are unavoidable. An efficient public health system is therefore very necessary. In facilitating these elderly groups, even though Thailand is one of the countries with a strong public health network, There is a quality hospital. and a network of leading medical personnel that can promote medical innovation to care for patients But the rights of Thai people in all 3 systems of treatment are welfare rights for civil servants. Social security rights And the rights to universal health coverage or the ‘Gold Card’ are different. Even though they have the same illness. But you may receive different medicines. Many patients choose to walk into a clinic or pharmacy. But access to quality medicine is not always easy. Especially if it is an innovative drug that is more effective. which has a relatively high price It becomes a shame when the opportunity to ease the illness turns from severe to mild. Or the hope of a cure has slipped away as PReMA has one of its main missions to provide Thai people with access to innovative medicine. and strengthen medical progress and sustainable public health systems. Therefore has participated in driving health innovation for the good quality of life of Thai people as well. “PReMA tries to invite ideas and discussions to create policy guidelines. including looking for new policies and possibilities That will help meet the needs of sustainable healthcare costs (Sustainable Healthcare Financing) when society moves into an aging society. The system should value innovative medicine. Such medicines must be prescribed and used appropriately, which PReMA and member companies are ready to push together with the government sector. and all relevant sectors to find the right balance both for manufacturers and for the government, which has a role in regulating the health of the people,” Dr. Kittima Talking about innovative medicine…hopes to create a good quality of life in an aging society comes with risks that affect the economic and social systems at large. When people live longer Even though many people take good care of themselves But various diseases It is more complicated as well. Innovative medicine will be one of the tools that answers the problem of relieving severe symptoms. Including preventing severe symptoms that may spread and affect quality of life and work efficiency. and reduced costs Because it cannot be denied that Treating patients with mild cases is easier and takes less time than patients with more severe cases, so innovative medicines offer the hope of creating new possibilities. in restoring people’s health Improve the quality of life of patients Both now and in the future, Dr. Kittima revealed the role of PReMA and cooperation with various sectors. In driving the Thai aging society with innovative medicine, “When Thailand enters the aging society, The best thing is Everyone should take care of their health from a young age. But if we do our best, we still have the disease. Innovative medicines will help answer this question. Our member companies are in regular consultation and coordination with relevant government agencies. which must begin with a mutual agreement that Even innovative medicine requires investment and carries a lot of risks. But the results obtained include recovery from suffering from illness. or help patients have a better quality of life It is considered worthwhile.” “The first important step is to connect Thai public health more with the Global Value Chain of the pharmaceutical industry system. It has already been made possible by the Clinical Research Network. When new medicines are tested in Thailand, personnel will have more knowledge and experience. Some of the patients who took part You will have faster access to medicine. From this starting point, innovation will become more valuable. and when Thailand’s infrastructure and personnel become stronger We will be able to access it for domestic entrepreneurs as well.” Health challenges Thailand faces as it enters a fully aging society. It is something that cannot be avoided. Although many groups of Thai people start taking care of their health from a young age, But relevant agencies must continue to develop the public health system to be ready at all times. The government should increase the budget for health promotion and disease prevention for people of all ages. PReMA is ready to be a part of this drive together with the government and various related sectors. To support the Thai public health system through research Research and develop innovative medicines With a determination to promote a good quality of life for Thai people in an aging society. Because one day Thailand will have drug security. Patients have easier access to innovative medicines. Not only will Thai people receive effective medical care. But it will have an effect on the economic system. Attract foreign pharmaceutical companies to invest in health technology. To benefit various industries in Thailand as well
