Health Services

The Third National Economic and Social Development Plan (1972-1976). Chapter 15, p.224.

Date:     1972-1976

Source:     Office of the Prime Minister, National Economic and Social Development Board, Bangkok, Thailand

Subject:     health services, public health

Development of Public Health during the First and Second Plans

1.  Briefly stated, the policy for public health development in the First Plan can be divided into two stages: The first stage (1961-1963) aimed at improving medical care by increases in staff, number of hospital beds, and equipment. During the second stage (1964-1966) the objectives shifted towards prevention of diseases, and particularly towards expansion of health services available in remote rural areas and locations which lacked easy access to hospitals. In addition, training of various categories of medical personnel was expanded.

The policy objectives of the First Plan were retained for the Second Plan: The Government accelerated the growth of rural health and medical are and improvement of existing services, especially for low income groups. The following policies characterized the Second Plan:

1. More rapid expansion of public health activities throughout the Kingdom, with the particular aim of improving services for people in remote rural areas or locations lacking communication facilities.





2. Expansion and improvement of medical care services, both physical and mental, in central and regional areas, so as to meet the requirements of the population; also to carry out refresher training programmes for personnel of various categories to improve the quality of care.





3. To expand studies and research work in the medical and public health fields.