Made by local firms, failed quality tests
Seven locally produced heart drugs have been removed from hospitals after they failed to pass quality tests, health authorities said yesterday. The findings came from a study of 137 samples of 11 drug categories used in 39 hospitals accredited by the Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation.
Researcher Wongwiwat Tassaneeyakul, of Khon Kaen University's faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, said seven drugs used to treat heart and artery ailments were found to be substandard.
The ingredients did not meet requirements, and the disintegration time and dosage limits were different from details given to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the registration period.
Mr Wongwiwat refused to reveal the brands or manufacturers, merely saying they were made by two local pharmaceutical companies.
''The result of the study reflects the need to develop a surveillance system and database of both patented and generic drugs registered with the Food and Drug Administration,'' he said.
''We need to ensure that mistakes do not occur in the production process and affect consumer health in the long run,'' he said.
Mr Wongwiwat, who specialises in pharmacology and toxicology, is heading a study of the quality of locally produced drugs. It is supported by the FDA, the Medical Sciences Department and the National Health Security Office. He said the project was now focussing on 11 categories of antibiotics because the drugs were widely used and often caused side-effects. The drugs were also competitive in terms of price.
The study was expected to conclude later this year.
Mr Wongwiwat believed it would encourage local drug firms to pay closer attention to the manufacturing process.
''The quality of the drugs should not be traded off for a cheap price,'' he said.
He said he planned to expand the programme to cover other categories of drugs. In total, about 60% of drugs were used in hospitals and the rest distributed to pharmacies.
Sukanya Jiarapong, a health specialist at the drug bureau, said the FDA had removed all stocks of the seven drugs from hospitals[quote][/quote]
Refuses to name the drugs and companies
