Abstract
Thailand has had prior policies in sending medical doctors to work in health centers
many years ago. Primary Care Act, launched in 2019, aims to provide quality primary care
services for all Thais. This Act designates that each 10,000 population should has their own
one family doctor. In 2023, there was a political movement to place 3 doctors to every
health center. This policy needs around additional 30,000 doctors within 6 years. Expected
budget will be around 0.15 billion THB.
This study was conducted to develop policy recommendations on how to properly
manage doctors to work in health centers. Literature review, stake-holder analysis and expert
consultation were used.
The key findings are all stake-holders agree with the benefits of this policy in order to
strengthen an accessibility to quality services. However, some concerns are addressed, such
as, suitable medical curriculum, recruitment system, supporting systems for retention and
managerial issues of local government.
Policy recommendations are this policy should be divided into periods depending on
preparedness of Provincial Administrative Office – PAO. Strengthening in services of noncommunicable diseases and elderly should be prior considered. In short term, retired
doctors will be recruited. In long term, more doctors specifically for health center should be
produced. Multidisciplinary team, appropriate drug lists and laboratory system, and also
good advisory team in PAO are key success factors.
