Original Article
The Benchmarks of Fairness for Health System Reform:
a Tool for National and Provincial Health Development in Thailand
Supasit Pannarunothai, M.D Ph.D.(1)
Samrit Srithamrongsawat, M.D M.Sc. (2)
1. Centre for Health Equity Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
2. Health Insurance Office, Ministry of Public Health
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of tests of the Benchmarks of Fairness for Health System Reforms on two occasions. The first result is a test of the Benchmarks as a tool to assess the MSH/HSRI proposal on health system development published in 1999. The second is a test as a tool to evaluate the achievements of health care reform activities in two provinces. Scores of the tests are presented, but they must be interpreted with caution. The paper ends with the recommendation that the Benchmarks should be used in order to increase awareness on equity and fairness in the Thai health system. The new Health Minister, and new PCMOs should draft their health development proposals in light of the Benchmarks and these proposals should be reviewed by their peers, again using the Benchmarks.
Key word:
health care reform, benchmarks, Thailand, equity