Abstract
Health Impact EvaluationFast development of socio-economic environment was regarded as a promoting factor to environmental changes particularly air, water, soil pollution. This change had impact on life quality of Thais and huge expenditures for health care. For example, in 1998, economic value of life loss and injuries caused by road accidents was estimated at 100,000 million Baht. Overall, expenditure for health care represented about 6% of GDP.To reduce that loss, preventative measures and initial correction must be emphasised by all parties in our society. Health impact assessment (HIA) was a new measure to determine level of consequent impact on health. Development of the HIA system was considered important and should be stated in National Health Act. Issues which should be available in the Act were health impact assessment or environment health impact assessment covering both acute and chronic diseases, injuries, crimes and society violence. The implementation of HIA should not be taken by sole party. Instead, working in alliance form or networking must be promoted with accountability and transparency. HIA was composed of two parts which were HIA under analysis of environment and risk management. Organisations responsible for HIA can be grouped into 3 types. The first group was the organisation responsible for determining policy, measures, standards, regulations and mechanisms for HIA. The second group was the organisations which were evaluated, involved in using information for making decision, the evaluators, trainers, responsible for accreditation, registration and monitoring standards. The third group was the organisations providing community information and performing research and development.Main issues for research and development in short term were as following:preparation for system development, education and human resource development should be firstly done,manual of risk management and health risk management should be developed,HIA under analysis of environmental impact should be strengthened.
