Un's Who Praises Thailand For Addressing Doctor Shortage

[george]

UN's WHO praises Thailand for addressing doctor shortage

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's representative for the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday called on nations around the globe to try to solve the worldwide shortage in health care personnel and doctors in particular, and praised Thailand for its efforts to address the problem.

Dr. William L. Aldis, WHO representative in Thailand, told reporters at a press conference on the World Health Day which falls on April 7 that WHO is concerned about the healthcare manpower shortage and that the whole world is now short of some 4 million doctors.

In Southeast Asia, 2.4 doctors care for each 1,000 patients, he said, while the ratio is poorer in Africa. Every country should put more effort into solving the problem.

However, Dr. Aldis praised Thailand for its initiative in recruiting field volunteers which has boosted the country's capability to control and contain diseases, and to strengthen its health care delivery system.

''Thailand's successful efforts have been appreciated, as it successfully contain bird flu outbreaks as well as promote awareness in good health among its nationals,'' Dr. Aldis said.

He mentioned that Thailand also has produced a 10-year-plan to address shortage of health care work force.

Meanwhile, deputy health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said developing countries must prepare their health care systems to serve increasingly aging populations and to cope with diseases brought by the coming of age such as diabetes, heart problem and cancers.

He said the aging population in developing world would hit 1.2 billion in 20 years and it was prudent for governments to be aggressive in preventive measures.

"In Thailand, a doctor must care for 2,800 patients, a thousand more patients than the standard ratio. It is 12 times worse upcountry. The ministry has announced a 10-year-plan to produce a larger workforce to serve in health care,'' he said.

He said Thailand faces a worse shortage in regard to dentists, pharmacists, and nurses.

According Dr. Prad Boonyawongviroj, the ministry's acting permanent-secretary, greater numbers of doctors resign from state hospitals each year.

He said that while only 276 government doctors quit five years ago, while an added 564 and 795 more resigned in two following years.

Dr. Prad said that newly graduated nurses last year decided not to serve in government hospitals but preferred employment in lucrative private hospitals due to better payment as the number of foreigners coming to Thailand to seek elective medical care has increased by 13-15 per cent.

--TNA 2006-04-04

[cclub75]

According Dr. Prad Boonyawongviroj, the ministry's acting permanent-secretary, greater numbers of doctors resign from state hospitals each year.

Dr. Prad said that newly graduated nurses last year decided not to serve in government hospitals but preferred employment in lucrative private hospitals due to better payment as the number of foreigners coming to Thailand to seek elective medical care has increased by 13-15 per cent.

Ah ! Of course, once again, the farangs are responsible.

Dr Prad is sweet. But he should have the courage to speak about the policies of the thai governement, and especially the 30 THB scheme. This policy is going to ruin the public system.

This is the main problem.

And the escape of medical personel toward private sector WILL continue. No doubt.

[aaaaaa]

don't worry - now this will change soon - will be free medical treatment for all ! after all, most corrupted guy is out ! new age of Freedom, Democracy and all positive "people-friendly" policies will start - watch out ! everybody will have courage, and be able to get sifficient education to become a Doctor ! all BGs would become nurses too - their salary would be enough !