Thai Health System Policies: People’s Party Website
Summary of “How to Succeed (HOW)” – A Plan for long-Term Care & palliative Care in Thailand
this document outlines a plan, proposed by the People’s Party, to improve long-term care and palliative care in Thailand. Here’s a breakdown of the key components, categorized for clarity:
I. Long-Term Care for Dependent Patients (Focus: Patient Empowerment & Budget Allocation)
* New Funding Model: Shift from customary NHSO budget management to a system where funds are directly allocated to patients, giving them choice in service providers (Patient Vouchers/Credits).
* Budget Caps based on Dependency: Patients will receive a budget based on their assessed level of dependency, outlined in a “Care Plan.”
* Homebound Patients: Up to 8 hours/week of service (60 baht/hour) + 1,500 baht/month for equipment.
* Bed-ridden Patients: Up to 16 hours/week of service (120 baht/hour) + 2,000 baht/month for equipment.
* Estimated Budget: 40,000 million baht required by 2026.
* Supporting Infrastructure: Establish ”device banks” funded by the government, developed with the cooperation of vocational institutions, to provide and maintain necessary equipment.
* Caregiver Training: Develop a standardized training system for caregivers, creating a linked database to ensure quality and stable employment.
II. Palliative Care (Focus: Increased Access & Improved Infrastructure)
* The Need: Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for terminally ill patients, ensuring dignity and reducing suffering. It also supports the mental health of surviving loved ones.
* Current Challenges:
* Limited Access: Only ~50% of deaths have access to palliative care (even lower for pediatric patients – 16%).
* Infrastructure Deficiencies:
* Shortage of trained professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health).
* Lack of end-of-life care wards in hospitals.
* Insufficient knowledge and skills within the primary healthcare system.
* Limited public awareness and participation in community-based end-of-life care.
III. Proposed Solutions for palliative Care (WHAT will be done)
* Increase Workforce & Structure: Expand staffing frameworks for palliative medicine teams in hospitals and train primary healthcare teams to provide care at home and in the community,in collaboration with hospitals.
* National Strategic Plan: Develop a “National Strategic Plan on Promoting Health at the End of Life” with network partners, focusing on personnel, budget, services, and legal frameworks.
* Supportive care Systems: (The document is cut off here, but implies further growth of supportive care systems).
In essence, the plan aims to create a more patient-centered, accessible, and comprehensive system for both long-term care and palliative care in Thailand, focusing on empowerment, resource allocation, and workforce development.