Guidelines for the development of innovation and production of instruments and analytical reagents for medical laboratories to be used in hospitals in Thailand to support the national public health security

Abstract

The three objectives of this research were 1. to study the problems and obstacles in the current production of instruments and analytical reagents for medical laboratories in hospitals in Thailand; 2. to analyze the self-sufficiency approach in the production of instruments and analytical reagents for medical laboratories in hospitals abroad; and 3. to study guidelines for the development of innovation and production of instruments and analytical reagents for medical laboratories used in hospitals in Thailand to support the national public health security by studying the regulations, laws, rules, and standards related to the National Strategic Plan, strategies of the Ministry of Public Health, concepts and theories of foreign production models with a country context similar to Thailand, literature review and in-depth interviews with experts related to this study.

                    Result of the study based on the objectives are as follows: 1)  Problems with the production side. It was found that entrepreneurs lack the knowledge and lack the transfer of production technology from abroad. Acceptance from users of products produced in the country is still low. Lack of linkage between government and private agencies to assist with standard audit data and quality 2) On the self-sufficiency approach in the production of instruments and analytical reagents abroad, it was found that the neighboring countries that were successful in operating the medical instruments were groups of importers and exporters who have a share in the market of instruments, equipment and analytical reagents with Thailand such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, as a guideline for Thailand's problem solving operations; 3) On the study of guidelines for the development of innovation and production of instruments and analytical reagents for medical laboratories used in hospitals in Thailand to support the national public health security, it was found that the government should promote and entrust relevant agencies or institutions to organize the transfer of knowledge and production technology from foreign countries, provide information assistance, standard audition, quality assurance, development of database associated with the implementation, supply and demand market analysis available in the country and abroad. Create incentives for further research, development, innovation, production, and market demand, rely on technology at home and abroad to do joint research, seek suitable funding sources and periodically follow up on business performance of manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

                    The research recommends that the government should encourage and support expansion of stakeholder cooperation network, development of human resources, knowledge and technology, research and innovation in the production and implementation  of the instruments and analytical reagents, seek funding, budget, domestic and international marketing mechanisms, spatial context convenience, innovation and production standards, and encourage for the reduction of import duties on parts and raw materials used in medical laboratory instruments and analytical reagents.