Eisai (Thailand) Marketing Co., Ltd., Collaborates with Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health
to further enhance the access to diagnosis, treatments, total care and long-term care for elders,
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease patient in Thailand
Bangkok (29th November 2023) Eisai (Thailand) Marketing Co., Ltd., (President of Eisai Thailand: Mr. Nattapan Nimmanpatcharin), a leading pharmaceutical company in research and development of Alzheimer’s disease treatments, announced the signing of Memorandum of Understand with Department of Medical Services (DMS) under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Thailand. The collaboration aims to further enhance the access to diagnosis, treatments, total care and long-term care for elders, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease patient in Thailand. The study’s outcomes will play a pivotal role in establishing comprehensive national guidelines and fostering strong community support systems. Notably, this marks the first-ever collaboration between DMS under the MOPH with pharmaceutical companies, specializing in Alzheimer’s Disease.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Kanazawa Shohei, Vice President and President of the Asia and Latin America Region at Eisai, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, “Eisai Co., Ltd., (Eisai), a leading pharmaceutical company in research and development of Alzheimer’s disease treatments, announced today that under the leadership of President Nattapan Nimmanpatcharin, we have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Medical Service (DMS) to embark on a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at establishing national guidelines. These guidelines will serve as the cornerstone for enhancing accessibility to diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care for patients dealing with MCI, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in Thailand.
With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Thailand’s elderly population, DMS and Eisai Thailand are joining forces to develop a feasibility study that will substantially improve access to MCI, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease care. The results of this study will be presented through public hearings event, involving all relevant stakeholders. Both organizations will work in concert with other key stakeholders to develop an effective ecosystem dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease, promoting national guidelines that enrich the lives of patients and their families in the long term.”
Furthermore, Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Acting Director of Department of Medical Services emphasized “The prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease patient poses an ever-increasing threat to both patients and their families in Thailand. The mounting medical expenses and the demand for long-term care underscore the gravity of this issue. The impact of these conditions is further exacerbated by Thailand’s rapidly aging population. Recognizing Eisai’s pioneering work in the research and development of Alzheimer’s Disease, together with our unwavering commitment to improving access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment we’ve identified 3 key challenges in addressing Thailand’s MCI, Dementia and AD landscape:
- Disease awareness: Lack of disease awareness, particularly affecting timely intervention and preventive care of MCI, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Diagnostic infrastructure & accessibility: MCI, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease screening tools are not currently recommended by Thailand’s clinical guidelines as well as limited availability of advanced diagnosis infrastructure
- Access to total care: MCI, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease patients and caregivers face challenges in terms of access and affordability, including development of dementia community and ecosystem building
In the light of these challenges, Eisai and DMS recognize the pivotal importance of establishing comprehensive national guidelines and fostering strong community support systems. These elements are indispensable for creating an effective ecosystem of dementia care.”
The Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was held on Wednesday 29th November, featuring prominent figures from the Department of Medical Services. The distinguished attendees included Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Acting Director of the Department of Medical Services, Dr. Thanin Vejchapinan, Director of the Neurological Institute of Thailand, and Dr. Kittiwat Manochantr, Director of the Medical Technical Division. Additionally, key executives from Eisai (Thailand) were also involved, led by Mr. Nattapan Nimmanphatcharin, President of Eisai (Thailand). The Eisai team was further represented by Mr. Wichit Panichyajinda, Hospital Business Unit Manager, Ms. Ratanaporn Thangthanakul, Human Resource Development, and Ms. Saranya Dhanapitranant, Commercial Excellence Manager.
***************30th November 2023
