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Universal health care in Thailand: Concerns among the health care workforce

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  • Thoresen, Stian H.
  • Fielding, Angela

Abstract

Objective To investigate the impact of the universal health care policy from the perspective of Thai health care professionals.Methods Semi-structured interviews with purposively selected health care professionals and key informants.Results Health care professionals at public hospitals, particularly in rural areas, have experienced up to a doubling in the number of daily out-patients; many with superficial symptoms. While the improved access to health care provisions was welcomed, questions regarding the appropriateness of seeking medical advice were raised. Concern regarding equity: between the universal health care policy and two parallel public health cover schemes; rural and urban areas; and the public and private sector also emerged. There are potentials for health care professionals to congregate in the private sector and urban areas where workloads are perceived to be less demanding.Conclusions The general perception of the health care professionals interviewed suggests that although increased access and health equity was welcomed, this policy has had undesired effects and exacerbated rural-urban and public-private tensions. Universal coverage increased access to health care. However, equity may be further enhanced by consolidating the three public health covers into a single scheme and develop a parallel private income protection insurance scheme.

Suggested Citation

  • Thoresen, Stian H. & Fielding, Angela, 2011. "Universal health care in Thailand: Concerns among the health care workforce," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(1), pages 17-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:99:y:2011:i:1:p:17-22
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    1. Phanumas Thongsukdee & Waressara Weerawat, 2020. "Physician workforce planning and allocation model using agent‐based modeling: A case study in Thailand," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(6), pages 1384-1397, November.
    2. Chaw-Yin Myint & Milena Pavlova & Khin-Ni-Ni Thein & Wim Groot, 2019. "A systematic review of the health-financing mechanisms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries and the People’s Republic of China: Lessons for the move towards universal health coverag," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, June.

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