BANGKOK: Thailand’s government has directed the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen oversight of care facilities for older people and those who depend on others for care following complaints alleging that people receiving care had been confined and assaulted.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said on Sunday (Oct 11) that the government had acted on the complaints by instructing the ministry to enforce and promote standards required by law and operating licences, prevent unlawful practices and protect health service consumers, particularly older people and those dependent on care.
The aim is to reassure the public that these groups receive safe, high-quality care.
Ploythalay said 1,203 care facilities for older people or those dependent on care were registered with the Department of Health Service Support (HSS) throughout Thailand.
To continue implementing the government’s policy, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat had instructed the department’s central office and all 12 health service support centres to work with provincial public health offices to strictly supervise, monitor and assess the facilities.
The facilities must comply with the Health Business Establishments Act 2016 and relevant ministerial regulations, with particular attention to three areas:
Premises: Facilities must have a suitable, clean and safe environment, entrances, exits and service areas appropriate for older people, and the necessary amenities.
Safety: Facilities must have systems to prevent and respond to emergencies, the necessary equipment and measures to protect people receiving care.
Services: Facilities must provide appropriate care arrangements and have personnel and care providers who meet the prescribed criteria. Services must remain within the scope of the operating licence.
All three areas must comply with the 2020 ministerial regulation prescribing premises, safety and service standards for health establishments providing care for older people or those dependent on care.
Pattana also ordered HSS’s central office and all 12 health service support centres throughout the country to complete on-site inspections of every care facility for older people or those dependent on care within two months.
The aim is to ensure that people receiving care receive safe, high-quality services and appropriate care.
“The government reminds operators that violations of the Health Business Establishments Act 2016 carry penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to THB50,000, or both.
"In addition, if psychiatric patients are admitted for treatment, this amounts to operating a medical facility without a licence and constitutes an offence under the Medical Facilities Act 1998, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to THB100,000, or both,” Ploythalay said. - The Nation/ANN
