The Public Health Ministry has begun distributing 2,880 boxes of the cancer treatment drug Imcranib to four hospitals, benefiting 215 patients.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) deputy government spokeswoman Plotpayee Ngamchaisakorn said the drug was delivered to Lopol Siriraj Cancer Hospital, Chulabhorn Hospital, and the National Cancer Institute and Vajira Hospital.
The NHSO plans three further deliveries by the end of October for patients under the universal healthcare scheme, with 960,000 tablets, or 32,000 boxes.
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Markavadi, president of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, donated the medicine to the NHSO on July 4 under the "Cancer Treatment Drug Project for Her Royal Highness's 96th Royal Birthday".
Imcranib 100, a targeted cancer therapy, is used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. It contains imatinib and is provided free of charge.
Ms Plotpayee said the distribution would improve access to effective treatment and strong medicine security. The Chulabhorn Royal Academy is expected to produce imatinib, 100mg and 400mg strengths, in fiscal 2027.
