Total of 50,000 Paxlovid treatments arrives in Thailand for Covid-19 patients ahead of Songkran

Bangkok –

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health received a total of 50,000 treatment courses of Paxlovid from the Pfizer company to support the rise of Covid-19 daily infections that may possibly occur after Songkran, the Thai New Year, this week.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the delivery ceremony of the medicine yesterday, April 11th, 2022, and ordered the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) to store and distribute Paxlovid for Covid-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms who may be at risk of developing severe symptoms to help reduce hospitalizations and fatalities after the Songkran long holiday.

Anutin stated that the Thai government had provided access to Covid-19 vaccines and medicines that were supported by academic data or research for the country’s Covid-19 patients. A trading contract of 50,000 courses of Paxlovid with Pfizer (Thailand) Company Limited was signed on March 24th.

“On behalf of the government, I’d like to thank you to all sectors, especially the Department of Medical Services which had operated the Paxlovid procurement and the Government Pharmaceutical Organization which would store and distribute the medicine nationwide. And, all medical personnel who dedicated their lives and time to take care of Covid-19 patients,” Anutin said.

Paxlovid is an antiviral medicine that consists of a combination of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 protein to stop the virus from replicating while Ritonavir slows down the Nirmatrelvir’s breakdown to help it remain in the body for a longer period.

Paxlovid tablets should be taken twice a day for 5 days and should be cautiously used among sensitive groups like the elderly and immuno-compromised.

Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Public Health

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.