Thai Health Ministry orders strict health screening of migrant labourers


- Photo: The Nation/ANN

BANGKOK: The Public Health Ministry has ordered all private hospitals and clinics to strictly follow regulations and standards in health and disease screening for migrant workers in a bid to prevent dangerous contagious diseases from spreading into the kingdom.

The move came after the Department of Health Service Support received complaints that some establishments had issued doctor certificates to migrant labourers without actually performing the physical examination, Dr Panuwat Panket, the department’s director-general, said on Friday (Jan 3).

He pointed out that the screening was important to prevent diseases that had been eradicated from Thailand from resurfacing again with migrant workers as carriers.

These diseases include lymphatic filariasis and leprosy.

According to the ministry’s regulations, establishments that can legally issue doctor certificates to migrant workers must have a laboratory certified by the Department of Health Service Support, an X-ray machine and certified technicians, and board-certified doctors who are specialised in diseases of which patients are prohibited to work in Thailand.

Panuwat warned that hospitals or clinics found violating these regulations could face up to a year of imprisonment or up to 20,000 baht fine, or both, under the Health Facility Act of 1998. They could also face temporary closure, he added. - The Nation/ANN

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

By2 twin singers held up at Beijing airport after being mistaken for same person
Scam centre survivors tell of beatings, abuse in Myanmar
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City among Asia's least affordable cities for homebuyers
World’s oldest panda, Eimei, passes away
Parents of K-pop girl group NJZ’s Hanni speak up on her visa status
Brics summit to tackle AI governance, global health and financial reform: Brazil
Jail for man who called for then Singapore President Halimah’s death and threatened to stab judge
Bangkok condo raid uncovers high-tech scam operation
Radio DJ helps Bomba personnel talk man out of suicide attempt
Singapore-based songstress Matilde G unveils 'Baddie Con Un Cuore' – a bold anthem of empowerment and vulnerability

Others Also Read