IRPC and Navamindradhiraj University have signed a joint venture agreement to build a laboratory complex
to test the quality of medical products such as hygienic masks, N95 and gowns that will improve quality based on Thai Industrial Standards, increase the commercial value, augment the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs to enter international markets, and give Thai people access to the best available products. The building is expected to be completed within the second quarter of 2021. This, in turn, will promote import substitution and sustainably increase the stability of public health.
“Healthcare and medical business is one of our focal business domains by which the company is deepening its extension into downstream petrochemical markets, especially smart materials, and getting closer to the consumer,” remarked Mr. Chawalit Tippawanich, President and CEO of IRPC Public Company Limited or IRPC. “This collaboration makes the best use of knowledge, advanced technology and alliance networks to create medical innovations to respond to the ‘new normal’ and wellness economy as it rapidly expands.”
This project marks an important step for IRPC in becoming part of medical development benefiting society in Thailand by helping to support public health. Moreover, it extends the collaboration between IRPC and PTT PLC to study investment in the production of Melt Blown, a major component in medical equipment and healthcare equipment such as hygiene and N95 masks.
Professor Surapon Nitikraipot, Ph.D, Chairman of the Navamindradhiraj University Council added: “The Covid-19 spread affects medical and healthcare business and leads to high demand, especially for quality personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals and others. The collaboration to build the laboratory will help improve public health in Thailand and encourage Thai entrepreneurs to produce medical equipment with international quality standards, thereby promoting import substitution.”
Associate Professor Anan Manomaipiboon, President of Navamindradhiraj University, commented that: “The Thai government has had a policy to mobilise Thailand as a medical hub since 2004. Since then, the number of service users in hospitals has increased annually on average by 16.5%. This has led to higher demand for medical products and a shortage of PPE during the virus crisis, necessitating imports.”
The collaboration to build the first laboratory complex to test medical products in Thailand and Southeast Asia will expand the quality of Thai medical products which is one of ten target “New S-Curve” industries driving the Thailand 4.0 policy along with PTT Group’s development plan.
Located in Bangkok near Navamindradhiraj University, completion of the laboratory is scheduled within Q2 this year.
