EABC - Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the accessibility of medicines at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2026

On 27 January 2026, EABC President and Chair of the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Working Group, Paranee Adulyapichet, delivered key insights on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the accessibility of medicines at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2026. The session was held under the theme: “How do demographic transitions, geopolitics, and innovations influence accessibility, cost, and social equity in pharmaceutical care?”

The session also explored the linkage between Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and access to medicines, highlighting a range of potential benefits for Thailand including increased investment, research collaboration, and policy alignment to enhance long-term accessibility. Drawing on the experiences of countries that have successfully concluded similar agreements with the EU, the discussion underscored the importance of Thailand’s strategic preparation and active engagement in the FTA process.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, the dialogue emphasized the need to address existing gaps through sustainable and inclusive mechanisms. The session concluded with meaningful exchanges of international best practices, offering valuable insights into how other countries are navigating emerging challenges and leveraging new opportunities to advance equitable healthcare access.