Bangkok: The government is set to launch a nationwide healthcare service map to address disparities in access to healthcare services. Today, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, efforts are underway to enhance the primary healthcare system. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens by developing a comprehensive Health Mapping system. This system will utilize data to strategically plan the establishment or enhancement of healthcare service units, addressing regional service shortages and optimizing public health budget allocation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Spokesperson detailed that the health service map will incorporate data from the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and other relevant agencies. This integrated data approach will help identify areas with adequate healthcare services and those experiencing shortages. The insights gained will guide the opening or upgrading of service units and ensure that healthcare services are tailored to meet the specific health needs of populations in different regions.
Moreover, the government plans to synchronize the planning and allocation of primary healthcare budgets from various health funds, including the National Health Security Scheme, Social Security, and the civil servant medical welfare scheme. This strategy aims to allocate funding to healthcare providers based on the population they serve, minimize redundant spending, and ensure that citizens receive high-quality primary care services closer to their homes. This initiative does not involve merging the three health funds into a single entity.
The Ministry of Public Health is committed to developing primary care units that adhere to uniform standards across the country. This involves establishing a registration and quality assessment system for these units and creating a network of 97 model centers to expand holistic care services. These centers will focus on health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and ongoing care for patients with chronic diseases, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.