Government’s Policy on Thailand as a Medical Hub

(11/12/2012)

The Ministry of Public Health is seeking opinions from public, private, and independent organizations on the Government’s policy of developing Thailand into an international medical hub. Deputy Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew said that the views and opinions from various sectors of Thai society would be compiled into a proposal to mobilize efforts to upgrade the quality and standards of Thailand’s medical services. Speaking at a seminar of public health administrators and executives of independent organizations in Bangkok on 7 December 2012, Mr. Chonlanan explained that the policy on developing Thailand into a medical hub had been introduced in 2004. The present administration gives importance to this policy, as seen from its policy statement that the Government would make Thailand Asia’s leader in health care products and services by cooperating with all relevant sectors. However, the policy must not affect the availability of good, affordable health care for Thai patients. Mr. Chonlanan said that Thailand has good potential for becoming the “Medical Hub of Asia” in terms of modern medicine, Thai traditional and alternative medicine, and herbal products. The Ministry of Public Health was assigned by the Government to work in an integrated manner with various relevant agencies in translating the policy into action. The Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, Squadron Leader Boonruang Triruangworawat, said that the Ministry of Public Health had mapped out a plan, to be carried out from 2012 to 2016, for the development of Thailand into a center for international medical services. The plan involves four types of medical services: medical treatment, health promotion, traditional and alternative medicine, and herbs and health products. The main objective is to encourage health establishments in Thailand to improve their services at all levels to higher standards. Another objective is to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand, as the country has several strengths in terms of experienced health personnel, modern facilities and equipment, hospitality, and reasonable prices. Hospitals throughout the country are ready to provide emergency services 24 hours a day. To date, many hospitals have been recognized and approved as meeting the standards set for the Hospital Accreditation of Thailand and international standards, such as ISO. Thai physicians are capable of providing care and services in every medical field. The majority received their medical education in Thailand and underwent further, clinical training at renowned international medical schools and institutes overseas. In many private-sector hospitals, foreign patients can be assisted by interpreters and coordinators whenever there is need for any such services. To ensure consumer protection, medical services are also regulated to mandate the highest ethical standards and quality of care.