3. Strengthening Health Systems

Thailand has experienced periods of severe medical brain drain from the public to the private sector and has had great difficulties in staffing hospitals in rural areas. Since the late 1970s, policies have been directed at making service in rural areas more attractive. Measures include substantial salary increases, good working conditions in district hospitals, and provision of housing. Professional self-esteem has been increased by providing career opportunities up to the post of deputy director general, an annual award for rural doctors, and membership in the rural doctor society. Substantial experience as a rural doctor is explicitly valued by leading public health specialists, who themselves have spent substantial periods working as rural doctors.

Source: Wibulpolprasert and Pengpaiboon 2003.