Health Services

The Eighth National Economic and Social Development Plan
 (1982-1986). Part II, Chapter 5, p. 23-27.

Date:     1982-1986

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

Subject:     health services, information, quality of life

With the intention of improving the health of all Thai people, and increasing their understanding of public health measures, the following guidelines have been elaborated:

1.1   Provide health screening procedures for couples planning marriage or planning to have a child, and for pregnant women; use family planning services to promote understanding and prevention of hereditary diseases including the risks of various infections during pregnancy, and to diagnose congenital abnormalities before birth; promote the provision of quality health care throughout pregnancy and during the neonatal period.

1.2   Advocate health services focused on child development and optimal quality of life for mothers; provide complete maternal and well-child services, full coverage with immunizations, and related activities such as provision of supplementary diets where required.

1.3   Disseminate knowledge of health matters; promote understanding and development of good public attitudes towards health promotion and disease prevention, for the individual, the family and the community. Teach basic remedies for simple ailments and the elements of health care and support for those family and community members living with chronic diseases.

1.4   Promote good mental health in an holistic manner, utilizing prevention, support and treatment modalities; protect the integrity of the family; act to eliminate the epidemic of violence within the family; prevent problems of drug abuse, and develop a sound social environment for the promotion of good mental and physical health.

1.5   Advocate the right of access to necessary health information; help the people to become wise and discriminating consumers, to recognize and insist upon the provision of safe, high-quality goods, especially those which are directly health-related.

1.6   Promote the health of workers through legal measures and incentives by which employers are induced to adopt workplace practices aimed at reducing the incidence of accidents and preventing the occurrence of man-made disasters. Provide sports and other recreational facilities as part of a decent workplace environment.

1.7   Promote campaigns informing family members of proper health care and support of the elderly, using the mass media. Provide a complete range of rehabilitation services for old people.

1.8   Encourage all sectors - public, private and educational - to organize sports activities on an expanded scale and to promote private investment in the provision of health services outside the large cities.