In the health policy issued by the Ministry of Health, under section 2.5, it states that the ministry aims to “strengthen health care services for older people and end-of life palliative care to improve quality of life of patients, with an emphasis on community and family care”.
There will be plans to start palliative care services in the community hospitals nationwide for patients with life-limiting illnesses to help relieve their suffering before death. A multidisciplinary team will be formed and medical staff will be trained to care for these patients and provide maximal support to their families.
The policy issued by the Public Health Minister, Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin, and Deputy Public Health Minister, Dr. Somsak Chunharas can be read here.
APHN would like to thank our member from Thailand, Dr Sakon Singha, palliative care physician at Prince of Songkla University, for informing us of this new update.