Rayong: A significant policy shift was announced at the Star Convention Hotel in Rayong Province, where the Ministry of Public Health conducted a workshop to discuss the policy for the fiscal year 2026. The aim is to elevate ‘Modern Village Health Volunteers’ to ‘Public Health Assistants’ to enhance their capacity for public care. Dr. Hansa Raksakom, Acting Public Health Supervisor of Health Region 6 and Director of the Health Region 6 Office, presided over the opening ceremony. The event was attended by Dr. Surawit Sakdanupap, Rayong Provincial Public Health Officer, along with over 600 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) from every district.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Public Health has set a clear objective to raise the level of 10,000 VHVs nationwide within four months. Dr. Harnsa Raksakom revealed that this policy is aimed at boosting morale among the Ministry’s personnel by promoting VHVs to the role of “Public Health Assistants” to ensure stable and sustainable welfare.
The upgrade seeks to equip VHVs with advanced knowledge, skills, and operational capabilities, preparing them to deliver proactive health services in both healthcare and prevention. This effort aims to fortify the community-level healthcare system, foster integrated cooperation with network partners, and sustainably enhance the quality of life for the public.
Dr. Hansa Raksakom underscored the critical role of VHVs as a driving force in supporting the Ministry of Public Health’s policies, particularly the “Knowledge for Quality of Life” initiative. This policy focuses on disseminating accurate health information, promoting awareness of personal health status, and problem-solving skills related to health issues. These initiatives in health promotion and disease prevention are designed to reduce morbidity before treatments are necessary and help lower long-term public health costs.