CityNews – Pharmacy students at Chiang Mai University have protested against a new version of the law regulating the distribution of medicines.
Photo: Weerasak Panyachod.
More than 10 people joined a protest outside the Faculty of Pharmacy last Friday, some with banners expressing their opposition to controversial revisions to the Drugs Act 1967.
They were joined by the dean of the faculty, Associate Professor Jakkapan Sirithunyalug, and head of the Chiang Mai Consumer Protection Division Issara Nanawichit.
The Food and Drug Administration has proposed revisions to the law to the National Legislative Assembly. Among other things, the proposed new rules would allow medicines to be dispensed by all healthcare workers, including doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, traditional medicine practitioners and veterinarians.
Critics say this would lead to less consumer protection and may cause the over-consumption of medicines, endangering the public. The students called on the ruling military government to reconsider the proposals.