Kota Bharu: ASEAN member states have declared their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to improve drug security through the ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR) initiative and the Framework on Regional Collaboration for ADSSR. In a declaration adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday, member states also committed to strengthening the continuum of medicine's life cycle from production, registration, procurement, and distribution. This is to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and availability of safe, efficacious, and quality-assured medicines at all times.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the declaration emphasized the alignment of regulatory pathways among ASEAN member states and collaboration in the procurement and supply of pharmaceutical products, especially during public health emergencies. The declaration highlighted that such efforts will ensure an uninterrupted and timely supply of pharmaceutical products among member states. It also noted that regulations and legislations should be in place to allow the use of unregistered products during public health emergencies in some countries.
ASEAN countries have also pledged to cooperate on research and development for new medicines targeting diseases unique to the region. They will collaborate on the manufacturing of needed medicines that meet quality standards within member states. Additionally, member states reaffirmed the potential collaboration on developing a regional medicine pooled procurement system, considering possible regional limitations.
The declaration stated that this cooperation is essential to increase negotiation power and maximize cost savings across all ASEAN countries, especially with the help of existing information-sharing platforms such as Price Information Exchange for Medicines (PIEMEDS). It further stressed the need to strengthen mutual understanding among ASEAN member states and between the private and government sectors within each member state.
The document mentioned that ASEAN health ministers have been tasked to cooperate with other ministers, relevant sectoral bodies, and stakeholders to implement the declaration. They are expected to mobilize resources and monitor and report on progress using all appropriate instruments based on national laws and policies.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, which drew leaders and high-level delegations from ASEAN and partner countries, was held under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.