Abstract
According to the present constitution, the standardized and efficient health information service through information structure is the one required for the public equally. The information infrastructure that is an alternative for providing public health information consists of three network; telephone, cable TV, and internet.The research team considered four alternatives in providing health information to the public using telecommunication technology and the internet. The four alternatives were: Information service via Web site (one-way communication via internet), Consultation service via Web board (two-way communication via internet), Information service via audiotex (one-way communication via telephone), and Consultation service via audiotex (two-way communication via telephone). The target group of the first two alternatives was teenagers, media, working people, doctors and public health officers whereas that of the last two alternatives was major population of the country.The study showed that the unit cost of the four alternatives in the year 2005, ranging from the least to the most, was Information service via Web site, Information service via audiotex, Consultation service via telephone, and Consultation service via Web board. The difference in cost depended on three factors: frequency of using services, the necessity of using staff to provide information, and the cost of supporting equal information to all target groups.Before providing services to a full scale, it is recommended that the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) evaluate the outcomes of each service provided at present as to how beneficial it is to the public, whether the service is provided right to the target group, and what the problems/obstacles are. The MoPH should also play an important role in carrying out or promoting the services using three guidelines: providing direct services by the responsible unit, supporting the community in providing services, collaborating with private sectors and media, as well as developing network similar to Canadian Health Network and apply it to best suit the Thai situation.
