Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat said yesterday that the ministry’s “Quick Win” policies are advancing as planned, with several initiatives already showing tangible results.
Preparations are also underway for the “1st Thailand Health Economic Forum”, the country’s inaugural event aimed at leveraging health as a key driver of economic growth, to be held in December.
One notable success, Mr Pattana said, is the “Free Dialysis Everywhere” initiative under the 30-baht Universal Healthcare Scheme, which has enhanced service quality nationwide and resolved long-standing complaints about extra charges for patients.
The ministry is also strengthening organ negotiation and collection teams to support transplant operations.
Under the policy “Doctors Not Overworked, Citizens Not Waiting: Seamless Services via Technology”, a pilot online appointment system was launched earlier this month. Currently, 54% of the 902 hospitals under the ministry have adopted the system.
Development of the “Mor Prom” Super App and a digital Health ID for newborns is also progressing, with full implementation expected by next January. The initiative, Mr Pattana said, is intended as a New Year’s gift to the public.
In line with the government’s “High-Value Medical Services as a New Economic Engine” policy, the ministry is collaborating with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to host the December health economic forum, the first of its kind in the nation.
Deputy Public Health Minister Worachot Sukhonkhajorn also reported progress in upgrading Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) into roles such as elderly caregivers, traditional medicine assistants, and public health aides.
Training curricula and operational guidelines are set to begin in November.
The ministry continues to crack down on illegal health-related activities. Starting next month, it will partner with major online marketplaces to curb the sale of illegal health products.