Establishing a Dedicated Fund to Improve Patient Access to Cancer Medicines: Key Considerations and Policy Implications for Thailand Comment on "Scoping Review of International Experience of a Dedicated Fund to Support Patient Access to Cancer Drugs: Policy Implications for Thailand"
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Thai policy-makers should carefully design a well-structured, managed-access cancer drug fund (CDF) that aligns with the country's socioeconomic system and complements existing institutional and policy frameworks. Developing this framework requires a clear and evidence-based definition of innovative cancer drugs, grounded in measurable clinical benefits such as overall survival (OS) and cost-effectiveness. It also requires careful consideration of alternative policies to address the challenges posed by high-priced cancer drugs. In addition, strategies are needed to incorporate cost-ineffective yet life-saving drugs with no therapeutic alternatives into the healthcare system in a fair and transparent manner. It also requires rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of the CDF, supported by empirical evidence and underpinned by robust operational and data governance frameworks. Such a framework could serve as a foundation for Thailand's future efforts to balance innovation, affordability, and equity in cancer care.
DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.9153
Author: Jong Hyuk Lee
Institution: Chung-Ang University
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7117579560