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.
(thailand.prd.go.th)