Thailand has requested US4million budget from the World Health Organisation for its plan to improve another state facility for the production of vaccines against influenza A(H1N1).
The disease has already killed at least 111 people in Thailand.
"After the improvement, this facility should be able to produce 10 million doses of the vaccine," Government Pharmaceutical Organisation chairman Dr Vichai Chokwiwat said yesterday.
He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) was in the process of finding funds for the plan.
"Everything should be concluded in the next few days," Vichai said.
He said if the plan received the funds, the facility improvement would take about two months to complete.
Currently, Thailand has already started developing the vaccine production at the Silpakorn University's Faculty of Pharmacy.
The facility at the faculty is also expected to provide up to 10 million doses of vaccine.
"With the funds from the WHO, our facility will be required to sell 10 per cent of the vaccine doses to WHO at the cost price. But we plan to give that portion to WHO for free," Vichai said.
On the ongoing vaccine development, Vichai said researches would decide late this month whether the trial vaccines could be tested in human volunteers on September 4 as scheduled.
"We have to wait for the results from the new lot of tested eggs," he explained.
If the results are satisfactory, about 14 volunteers will be injected with the trial vaccine.
Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai yesterday ordered the Medical Registration Division to investigate a private hospital accused of failing to provide timely treatment to 28yearold Peeravee Tuangsinkulabhodi.
Peeravee passed away after developing flulike symptoms. His medical bill soared over Bt3million.
"The representatives of the hospital will be invited to give explanations. We will ensure justice to both sides," Witthaya said.
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