Bangkok: Somsak announced progress on the Village Health Volunteer Act, preparing to submit it for the second and third readings. He expressed satisfaction with the law, which will ensure the stability of the Village Health Volunteer status and strengthen community health.
According to Thai News Agency, former Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced the special committee’s consideration of the Village Health Volunteer and Frontline Health Volunteer Act, stating that today’s proceedings have completed reviewing and examining the committee’s draft. The committee has amended the draft to improve its completeness, increasing the number of sections from 50 to 67. This will be submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for inclusion in the agenda for consideration in the second and third readings.
Mr. Somsak stated that the benefits the public will receive from this law include robust community-level healthcare. Thailand will have a stable public health system capable of effectively addressing health crises. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) will have a stable legal status, boost morale, and be motivated to perform their duties, thanks to clear welfare and benefits guarantees. This will lay a strong foundation for Thailand’s long-term health security system.
“This Village Health Volunteer Act aims to provide security for village health volunteers. The implementation of this law demonstrates that our country’s public health system will primarily focus on treating the sick. However, treating the sick is costly, as evidenced by the past 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. In previous governments, prevention of illness was seen as a key factor and a significant economic savings,” said Mr. Somsak.
Mr. Somsak also stated that the National Health Security Office (NHSO), or the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, will have approximately 150 billion baht in medical expenses. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 80 billion baht will be spent on diseases caused by consumption and inappropriate eating, amounting to more than 50%. The Village Health Volunteer Act will help the public understand carb counting. If successful, it will save 80 billion baht. Understanding consumption from a young age will prolong life. Furthermore, the people who can provide this understanding are not primarily doctors or nurses, who lack the time. Therefore, we must rely on Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs).
“VHVs under this Act will have extra-budgetary funds kept within the Department of Public Health Service Support. Any savings can be reinvested into the VHV accounts,” said Mr. Somsak.