Strengthening a Primary Health Care System for Encountering an Aging Society in Thailand

Abstract

                  This study is a descriptive study by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to make policy
recommendations for developing the primary care system to effectively support the aging society in Thailand.
It was conducted by reviewing literature and in-depth interviews with 53 elderly people and 12 local medical
personnel in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province and Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, between
7 August and 6 October 2023 using quantitative and qualitative questionnaires. It was followed by a group
discussion with qualified lecturers from the Ministry of Public Health to analyze gaps in the primary care system
and health problems of elderly. The results of the study revealed the following problems: (1) lack of adequate
and continuous investment in the primary care system, (2) lack of health literacy and the ability among elderly
people to take care of themselves appropriately, (3) problems with the capacity and quality of primary care units,
(4) inability of primary care units to provide services that cover all dimensions of elderly’s health problems,
and (5) inaccurate transfer of policies and resources from the central level to the operational level. Therefore,
to be able to achieve the important goal of caring for the elderly, it was important that the elderly were able to
rely on themselves, had good health for their age, and had equal access to health care services, especially at the
primary care level which was the service unit closest to the elderly. The research team has summarized policy and
strategic recommendations as follows: (1) increase investment in the primary care system for the elderly, (2)
monitor, supervise, and transfer policies on care for the elderly continuously from the central government to the
regional areas and to the people, (3) create standards and upgrading the capacity of primary service units, (4)
emphasize proactive services to reach the elderly in the community, and (5) promote health literacy of elderly
and connect with communities to participate in primary health care development.