Editorial Note

Abstract

In this second issue of volume 14, the Journal has been proudly presenting five studies. The disciplines and issues of these research papers were somewhat focusing on pharmacy and its related practice and policy. In the rising time of international trading, the import and export of pharmaceutical products has been increasing. The integrity of the quality has never been more acquired before. The government agency responsible for this quality control has been trying to improve relevant process with some difficulties and not much success. The article entitled “Thai FDA Development of GMP Accreditation Approval System for Oversea Manufacturers” sheds the light on the whole process along with the obstacles and some proposed solutions. This analytics on the process of bureaucratic work is fascinating yet worrisome for the development of the country. However, more studies on the ongoing development process of GMP accreditation approval on oversea manufacturers are highly needed. Kidney failure is an ever-rising health problem worldwide. A certain number of interventions, preventative and curative, have been attempted and have been proved for certain level of success. The study entitled “Factors Influencing Patient Health Behaviors for Delaying the Progress in Stage 3 - 4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at Khlongkhlung Hospital, Khampangphet Province” is a part of a grand-scale project to counter kidney failure in Thailand. This kind of study is also critical for the foreseeable success and obstacles of the project. It enriches the understanding of human as socially living organism which could further help modify the future interventions to be more successful. The behavioral science behind it is of standard thought compatible with the academic norms. However, more studies on other behavioral concepts emerging from the ground are challenging and much needed. One of the most long-lasting and ever-growing in Thailand public health is the use of the pre-packed polypharmacy or Ya Chud available conveniently throughout the country. The problem has been increasing in the extent and severity because of a loose law enforcement and a lack understanding and more importantly awareness/realization of the associated dangers. The study entitled “The Relationship between Knowledge and Use Behavior of Polypharmacy or Ya Chud in a Community in Srisaket Province” again demonstrates the extent of the problem in a local community. The knowledge on the matter is still low and the use behavior (or reasons to use) are in moderate level. Since the higher level of the use behavior in the study means the more impression of improper reason to use, this moderate level of use behavior is somewhat worrisome and needs an urgent clarification and understanding through educational programs or campaigns. It is fascinating that the problem of Ya Chud is even widespread throughout the country. At this point, even predictive studies are not much useful in contributing to the problem solving. We need more intervention studies to prove the effectiveness of the problem-solving actions. Last, the two studies examining efficacy of bisphosphonate and non-bisphosphonate drugs in preventing bone fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by means of meta-analysis. The studies could be beneficial for a rational drug selection. We have been seeing this kind of studies with the rising demand of evidence-based policy making on national essential drug list policy. In this challenging endeavor of the Thai Pharmaceutical and Health Science Journal, we are hopeful to better the quality of the articles published. We urge more submissions from international research community, regional and global. We would like to thank in advance for any prospective submissions. Editor-in-Chief