Good Health at Low Cost: Thailand’s Experience

Abstract

This study demonstrated that Thailand had achieved “Good Health at Low Cost” - good maternal and child health at the relativity low total health expenditures. In addition, the study assessed the trend of interventions contributed to improvement in maternal and child health. Multiple regressions among low- and middle-income countries show that Thailand outperformed in achieving under-five mortality rate (U5MR) at much lower per capita health spending compared to international peers. Key health indicators for example life expectancy, U5MR and maternal mortality rate all improved. Importantly, total health expenditure was relatively low, at only 5% of gross domestic product. The rich-poor maternal and child health inequity gap reduced except provincial gaps. Child survival interventions and maternal and child health services, notably ante-natal care, skill birth attendance, family planning and immunization, had been integrated into health services at all levels of health care providers, in particular primary care level, which were geographically accessible by rural poor. Although Thailand achieved good health at low cost, there are many challenges. For example, the increase of the prevalence of low birth weight which will affect health of the baby in the long run. Drowning and road traffic accidents have been causes of death of children under five years old, although these are preventable.