Policy Recommendations from Impact Assessment of Transferring Queen Sirikit Health Centers (QSHC), and Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPH) to Local Government Organization

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess impact of transferring the mission of Queen Sirikit Health Centers (QSHC), and Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPH) to local government organization. The evaluation was structured into five critical stages: (1) data gathering and review, (2) development of tools for in-depth data collection, (3) data collection through field surveys, (4) data processing and content analysis, and (5) policy recommendation formulation. The findings suggested that the health sector stakeholders involving in the study felt that there were inadequate resources and unclear policy communication. The external economic, social, and governmental policy changes were pressures that, in the past, had not been adequately addressed before the transfer of responsibilities. Similarly, local government organizations faced these issues, but due to planned work processes, policy transmission, and comprehensive communication at all levels, the negative impacts from external factors were mitigated, leading to generally better outcomes. The evaluation resulted in policy recommendations including the integration of cooperative services between the Ministry of Public Health and local government organizations, and the creation of mechanisms for the participation of relevant network partners. For the Ministry of Public Health, it is recommended to have clear policies and plans for managing work at all levels, to support sufficient resources, and to ensure efficient and timely communication between policy and operational levels. For the local government organizations, it is recommended to develop public health system oversight capabilities that support both local and national systems seamlessly, with clear policies and mechanisms for transferring health personnel, enhancing skills and career advancement appropriately, integrating systems with the Ministry of Public Health, and efficiently allocating resources and budgeting.