China has given Thailand face masks, Covid-19 test kits and protective suits to help medical personnel.
As many as 100,000 surgical masks, 20,000 test kits, 10,000 N95 respirators and 2,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were handed over to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday for distribution to medical and public health workers.
Mr Anutin added that China has also agreed in principle to coordinate with local suppliers to sell antiviral drugs, especially Favipiravir, and other necessary medical supplies to Thailand.
He said the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) will oversee the purchases, including 120,000 tablets of broad-spectrum antiviral Favipiravir to bring the current stock up to 200,000.
Mr Anutin added that the public will have to do their part by strictly following health guidelines by avoiding non-essential travel and large gatherings as well as observing personal hygiene.
He also added that the Department of Medical Science is testing locally made protective suits to make sure they meet standards, while the Public Health Ministry will provide health insurance for doctors, nurses and public health officials.
Earlier his week, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said China and the US have offered to help Thailand procure medical supplies and equipment to help tackle the contagion.
Concerns are growing about possible shortages of vital medical equipment as infections continue to rise. The government is still struggling with a severe shortage of face masks, prices for which have surged since the outbreak began.
Mr Don said one of the pressing issues for his ministry is to explain the situation to other countries whose nationals in Thailand may be affected.
