Strategies to develop Thailand as an International Medical Hub

The strategies will be implemented for a period of 10 years, from 2016 to 2025. The Ministry of Public Health was instructed by the Cabinet to work with relevant agencies in drawing up an action plan in line with these strategies.

This action plan will be translated into action during the term of the present government, until July 2017. Then it will be incorporated into the national reform plan for the next government to carry on. 

In developing Thailand as a medical hub, the Cabinet stressed that the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, and other agencies involved must ensure that their implementation will not affect efficiency in providing health services for Thai people.

In the next 10 years, efforts will be made to develop Thailand as a wellness hub, medical service hub, academic hub, and health product hub. There are seven major strategies. The first strategy seeks to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in health service management. The second one involves medical service development.

The third strategy seeks to develop services for health promotion and the fourth one to develop Thai traditional and alternative medicine services. 

In the fifth strategy, medical science academic services will be developed, while the sixth strategy involves pharmaceutical and health product development. 

The seventh strategy seeks to promote marketing and step up public relations campaigns.

The short-term plan will be implemented for two years, from 2016 to 2017. The medium-term and long-term plans will last eight years, from 2018 onwards. Evaluation will be conducted and the implementation of the strategies will be improved in order to achieve the aim.

Thailand has great opportunities to develop itself as an international medical hub. Its wealth of health-care expertise and know-how is embodied in its culture and indigenous wisdom. These qualities have attracted visitors from all over the world.

Modern facilities and equipment, as well as internationally qualified doctors, nurses, and technical staff, have enabled Thailand to promote itself as a first-class destination for those who are seeking top-quality medical treatment at a reasonable cost.

To date, many Thai hospitals have been recognized and approved as meeting standards set for hospital accreditation in Thailand and international standards, such as ISO. 

Apart from providing good medical services, the development and innovation of medical equipment also plays a vital role in helping develop Thailand as an international medical hub.