US-based Baxter International is pouring US$70 million (Bt2.24 billion) into producing peritoneal dialysis solution in Thailand, encouraged by the policy of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to extend coverage to patients with chronic kidney failure.
Gerald Lema, corporate vice president and president of Baxter's Asia-Pacific region, said the investment affirmed the company's commitment to establish a long-term production base in Thailand and services to Thai patients.
The factory will be on a 30-rai (4.8-hectare) plot in Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Rayong. Aiming to create 400 jobs, the plant is scheduled to begin production in mid-2013. The location was chosen because of its proximity to Bangkok and logistics network, said Tippawan Jitpimolmard, country manager at Baxter Healthcare (Thailand).
"This investment will increase our solution supplies to satisfy long-term demand among Thai patients," she said.
The NHSO has a policy to provide access to treatment for terminal kidney patients. Under the policy, patients in the terminal stage will be treated with the solutions unless the patient is medically not suitable. This is based on a clinical research that kidney cleansing provides physical and economic benefits for patients.
With the Baxter solutions, patients can undertake three to four cleansings a day at home.
Source: The Nation September 21, 2012
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