Bangkok Health Insurance Fund Strengthened Through Collaboration
Source : https://www.newsdirectory3.com/strengthening-public-health-nhco-nhso-and-partners-collaborate-to-drive-the-bangkok-health-insurance-fund/
The National Health Commission Office (NHCO), in partnership with the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok, and various network agencies, recently held an exchange meeting to discuss ways to strengthen and promote the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund. This collaboration aims to drive the campaign and maximize the fund’s potential in supporting public health initiatives.
Allocating Budget for Health Promotion Activities
Under the 2024 plan, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok revealed that the goal is to allocate 80% of the budget to support projects that benefit public health. These initiatives will be planned based on the specific needs of each area. The process of allocating funds will be guided by the “Area Health Statute.”
In the past, only an average of 13-20% of the allocated fund has been utilized since its establishment in 2018. This low utilization rate has hindered the implementation of various health promotion activities that could greatly enhance the quality of life for the public.
Promoting Public Health in Bangkok
In line with the drive to improve public health, the Governor of Bangkok has decided to prioritize the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund as a key policy in fiscal year 2024. The aim is to ensure that 80% of the annual budget is focused on creating activities and projects that address the health problems and needs of the community. Additionally, the emphasis will be on empowering individuals to take charge of their own health.
The Bangkok Health Assembly will play a central role in driving this initiative. It will serve as a platform for developing practical solutions at the district level, connecting various mechanisms in primary healthcare, including hospitals, public health service centers, community health centers, and more. The involvement of Bangkok Public Health Volunteers (VHV) will also be crucial in this collaborative effort.
Facilitating Fund Utilization
Recognizing past obstacles and challenges in utilizing the funds, efforts will be made to facilitate smoother and more efficient use of the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund. Initiatives include creating a database and a “basket of projects” that provide examples of approved and successful projects from the past. Moreover, a handbook or document will be developed to provide easy-to-understand guidance for fund utilization.
Achieving Objectives through Collaboration
Mr. Sutthiphong Wasusophalhol, a specialist From National Health Commission Office (NHCO) Thailand, highlighted the importance of achieving the following objectives through this collaborative process:
- Strengthening the role and opportunities for driving the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund.
- Developing a model and operational framework for the fund’s committee, focusing on short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
- Establishing collaboration with partner organizations to effectively drive the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund for the benefit of the public.
The Director of NHSO District 13, Bangkok, Dr. Namphet Tangyingyong, emphasized the need to review and modify existing announcements that may impede the fund’s management. A program will be developed to support effective fund management and expand access beyond existing sectors. The sharing of examples of excellent work from different areas and the development of online learning media will also be prioritized.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, represented by Ms. Rasida Ruangsiri, has already established partnerships with various sectors to access the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund through activities such as driving the health constitution and organizing the Bangkok Health Assembly. Collaboration with universities, specifically the 5 Rattanakosin Rajabhat universities, has resulted in the establishment of the Urban Health Academic Center—a mechanism that supports the development of public sector potential in accessing local-level health financing mechanisms.
Focusing on Effective Management and Reducing Inequalities
Ms. Rasida stressed that communication, understanding with the fund’s sub-committee, and the development of community potential to access the budget are key factors for success. Efforts will also be made to ensure the active involvement of academic centers in driving efficient and continuous work. Additionally, in 2024, a prototype area or sandbox will be identified to explore success factors and barriers, enabling the development and expansion of outcomes and participatory management mechanisms. This will ultimately contribute to reducing inequalities in the urban health system—a crucial objective of the collaboration.
- agency joins Bangkok and network partners Discuss ways to support driving The “Bangkok Health Insurance Fund” strengthens the role of public sector projects Use the budget to create health promotion activities – planned according to the needs of the area. The Deputy Governor of Bangkok revealed that the aim of the 2024 plan is to use 80% of the money to support projects that benefit public health. through the “Area Health Statute” process
On 24 October 2023, the National Health Commission Office (NHCO), together with the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok (ก. Bangkok) and network agencies Organize an exchange meeting strategic to drive the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund. Strengthening roles and joint cooperation Support the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund campaign
Professor Assoc Dr. Tavida Kamonvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, that the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund It is money that is allocated by NHSO every year together with money from Bangkok that contributes at least 60% to be used to care for and promote the health of the people of the area. Since its establishment in 2018 onwards, only 13-20% on average have been used to use this fund, which means that various health promotion activities that will only be beneficial to the quality of life of the people cannot happen in accordance with the purpose
In fiscal year 2024, the Governor of Bangkok has decided to promote public health through the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund. It is one of the important policies. The aim is to use 80% of the allocated budget each year. on the focus on making people the center and integrating community participation from all sectors in the area Creating activities or projects that meet the health problems and needs of various people. and leads to building the potential to take care of your own health
Associate Professor Dr. support and help make various activities happen. These can happen more. The Bangkok Health Assembly. It is a central platform for developing issues in practice. Health composition at the district level is a reference, especially connecting many mechanisms at the primary level in Bangkok. Entire hospital Public Health Service Center Community Health Center Warm community clinic, pharmacy, Bangkok Public Health Volunteers (VHV)
“In the past there may have been obstacles. or conditions for using money that people can still find difficult Therefore, we must help to facilitate, solve problems, and loosen some ties so that the money can be used more smoothly. By preparing things like a database or ‘basket of projects’, take examples of projects that have been approved and done in the past. Give them room to touch and see if they are interested. Is it appropriate? Including creating a handbook or document that is easy to study and understand,” said Professor Assoc Dr. Tawida.
Mr. Sutthiphong Wasusophalhol, a specialist, from the National Health Commission Office (NHCO) Thailand, said that the big problem of everyone today is It will allow citizens in Bangkok to access the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund and participate in using the Fund. How to develop the health system in the area? Under the connection of each of the 4 important elements, namely funds, directors, activities and most importantly good management which are connected, not separated The stage today will be a central space for all parts to come together and create the this learning process together.
Mr Suthiphong said that the important objectives of this process are 1. To strengthen the role and create opportunities to drive the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund 2. To develop a model, a way of thinking, and an operational framework for the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund committee. Willing to look at the short term, medium term and long term 3. Develop collaboration with network partner organisations. Become a Bangkok Health Insurance Fund Driving partner For the people
While Dr. Namphet Tangyingyong, Director of NHSO District 13, Bangkok, that the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund The annual budget of approximately 340 million baht is allocated, with a total of more than 1 billion baht currently remaining. As a result of operations in the financial year 2023, a total of 651 approved projects, totaling 56.8 million baht, or It is only about 16% of the allocated budget. However, if we look at projects proposed by the civil society/community/people sector it was found that 90% were approved.
Dr said. Namphet, in terms of NHSO’s role in supporting the Bangkok Health Security Fund in 2024, that he is ready to review and modify some announcements that may be stuck. Willing to develop a program to support fund management. To be effective Lean on sectors that are not yet accessible in this budget to gain more access. At the same time there will be a visit to strengthen. Highlight examples of excellent work from different areas. Developing online learning media Promoting the movement of child development centers in the community Warm Community Clinic Used the fund’s budget to provide more services
Ms. Rasida Ruangsiri, specialist scheme administrator, Health System Development Support Office, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, on behalf of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, said an understanding had been created. Collaboration with various sectors To access the Bangkok Health Insurance Fund through various activities including driving the health constitution in 12 pilot areas, organizing the Bangkok Health Assembly It is a central area for creating participatory public policy. Especially in collaboration with 5 Rattanakosin Rajabhat universities. in establishing the Urban Health Academic Center It is a mechanism to support the development of the potential of the public sector to access financial mechanisms for health at a local level. Carry out health promotion work that is consistent with the health needs and problems of communities in Bangkok.
Ms. Rasida says that she sees that the factors that will lead to success are communication, creating an understanding with the fund’s sub-committee, supporting and developing the community’s potential to access the budget. and create understanding The role of the academic center everywhere to create efficient and continuous work What we are preparing to focus on in 2024 is to find a prototype area or sandbox to find success factors and obstacles in order to develop, expand outcomes, and design management mechanisms that are participatory and efficient. leading to reducing inequalities in the urban health system That is an important goal.