Thailand’s lessons for the healthcare system

Jack Langenbrunner, Rahul Mullick

 

Taking inspiration from Thailand, a sound information technology platform could enable effective universal health coverage in India

 

Since the 1960s, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries have learnt from each other on macroeconomics, trade and social policies. India could well be on its way to join the OECD eventually and is no doubt learning from these countries already. But in health, there is a closer neighbour—Thailand—with some success stories worth examining.

 

Thailand’s demographic and economic similarity to India makes this sort of comparison relevant. Health expenditures as a share of GDP (gross domestic product) are similar—4.4% for Thailand and 4.1% for India. However, outcomes vary widely: In Thailand, the under 5 years’ age mortality is 12.3 per 1,000 live births; maternal mortality, 20 per 100,000 live births. By contrast, the numbers in India are higher by multiples: 47.7 and 174.

 

In the early part of this century, with strong macroeconomic growth in Thailand, the Thai government launched a universal health coverage (UHC) scheme for the informal sector covering 70% of Thailand’s 70 million people. 

 

Full story: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/AAUNibbo0ZneBoiX87eh7J/Thailands-lessons-for-the-healthcare-system.html

 

-- live mint 2016-11-16

Among the OCED countries, Thailand is doing well as regards to healthcare and spend less as a percentage of GDP. Even China spend more to achieve similar mortality numbers with Thailand. Centerpiece of Thailand healthcare system is the UHC which is a good a reason why this government is continuing with the system. 

I would have more faith in the Thai Hospitals than Oz. Love the starch white uniforms. Our son was born in Chiang Rai Hospital Kasemard, first class. Had my teeth done there as well saved about $7000.00. 11 years on still working great; so is our son. One of the great legacies by Mr T for the outer Bangkok people.

2 hours ago, Chris Lawrence said:

 One of the great legacies by Mr T for the outer Bangkok people.

 

In fact, this was a Democrat policy but unfortunately they never had time to implement it. Mr T saw that he could exploit the idea to his political gain. 

5 hours ago, Thai-Aust said:

 

In fact, this was a Democrat policy but unfortunately they never had time to implement it. Mr T saw that he could exploit the idea to his political gain. 

http://millionssaved.cgdev.org/case-studies/thailands-universal-coverage-scheme

 

Have a read of the above link. The idea appears to be floated in 1975, with a form of service that was latter improve by the TRT party after the 2001 election. Other than that My wife's family comes from up north and don't share your opinion. Sorry Thai=Oz

7 hours ago, Chris Lawrence said:

http://millionssaved.cgdev.org/case-studies/thailands-universal-coverage-scheme

 

Have a read of the above link. The idea appears to be floated in 1975, with a form of service that was latter improve by the TRT party after the 2001 election. Other than that My wife's family comes from up north and don't share your opinion. Sorry Thai=Oz

Thanks for the link. 

What is it that you say your wife doesn't share my opinion?

 

I'm correct when I say Mr T wasn't the first person who thought about this policy. It was initiated long before he entered politics. He just saw the opportunity for his political gains, as with anything else. Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with the UCS. I do believe that everyone should have equal access to healthcare from government. However, this should be means tested.