Abstract
The project to upgrade the system for monks who require long-term care originated
from the need to support dependent monks who lack access to State care or health services.
The gap is exacerbated by the dominance of women as caregivers, which is not in accordance
with Buddhist precepts. To address this, capacity training was provided for monks and
novices to provide such care for sick monks.
The project was implemented in coordination with relevant organizations, agencies
and partners at the national level to provide academic support. These agencies included the
Department of Health, Department of Medical Services Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya
University, National Office of Buddhism and National Health Security Office (NHSO). The
project also worked closely with participating temples in the project area included Rayong,
Lampoon, Suphanburi, Amnatcharoen, Nakonsrithamraj as well as provincial public health
offices, local administrative organizations municipalities, Tambon Administrative
Organizations, community hospitals, sub-district health promotion hospitals, health security
offices and civil society organizations.
Following a survey and collation of health status data for monks in the project area,
the project selected temples that were ready to establish monk care centers. A local working
group was then established to jointly implement the project and monitor results. A group of
20 monks and novices over 18 years old were selected to attend a 420-hour training course
to provide standardized care for sick monks, under Department of Health oversight and
developed to meet the specific needs and circumstances of dependent monks. Performance
was monitored and evaluated, lessons documented and an exchange of knowledge
conducted across all aspects of the work. Success factors and challenges were identified to
ensure post-closure sustainability and to summarize outcomes from the perspectives of
concerned agencies and civil society organizations.
