Abstract
This research aims to study the concept and the role of NGOs in health reform. It explores NGO network which has been involved in community development, target group development or public social development. The main methodology includes focus group discussion, complied six case studies of NGOs as well as conducting in depth interview with 14 activists who have played significant roles in the health system. The research discovered that, from the NGOs’ perspective, the general health system problems arise from the national development policy that principally aim for economic growth. Health services and public health are adopted systems that are too westernized and only seek profit maximization. In the same vein, economic production and labor development are based on the principle of western education, which is rooted in self-interest attitude. Consequently, any laws related to health issues are controlled by the principle of western medicine, clinging to government administration and being influenced by private sector. Furthermore, the government is viewed as operating its public health system under centralized control, with an emphasis on curing rather than preventing. Its principle is strongly rested on non-integration and a single plan in order to solve health problem all over Thailand. NGOs have been taking part in resolving health and public health issues through various approaches. This is seen as an important role in reforming health system in particular by supporting community organization, research development and knowledge rehabilitation as well as health technology development. At the same time, herbal medicine, Thai traditional message, alternative medicine, consumer protection as well as social empowerment to answer any health-related issues. It is agreed by the NGOs that the governmental health reform only recognizes the important of institution and organizational reform. In term of health issue, a personnel development and capacity building to raise self-reliant, including the protection of consumer rights must be in the heart of government’s working operation. This is believed to be an alternative thinking against the mainstream principle. While the NGOs are viewed as one of the main stakeholders in promoting public health reform, but they do not see the importance of governmental public health reform’s approach. Suggestion emerges from the NGOs regards to the public health reform is to provide equitable access to government health service so that every group of people in the society achieve healthy livelihood and become self-reliant. Equally important, the government should support people participation, decentralization, flexible attitude, support alternative medicine, self-reliant as well as policy and legislation adjustment.
