Statement by 

H.E. General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of Thailand

at the UNGA Side Event

“The Path towards Universal Health Coverage:

The Promotion of Equitable Global Health and Human Security in the Post-2015 Development Era”

at United Nations Headquarters, New York

28 September 2015

 

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Thailand attaches great importance to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, in line with Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Healthy citizens are important drivers of national development.  I firmly believe that investing in health is investing in national interests, for the well-being of all, and for social security.

2. Health and human security have long been top priorities for the Thai government. We have strived to establish a universal health coverage system to provide access for all to necessary, affordable and quality healthcare services. 
We view access to healthcare as one of the basic human rights and social justice.

3. Thailand successfully achieved a universal health coverage system in 2002.  Successive governments have shown unwavering commitments since 1970 to increase investment in the basic health infrastructure at all levels, resulting in the expansion of health services. Health personnel, ranging from doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses have been dispatched to all regions throughout Thailand.  Thais now also have access to more comprehensive healthcare services and extended coverage, which includes health promotion and prevention of diseases. The increased access to healthcare has also reduced the disparity between the urban and rural areas, and resulted in the reduction of maternal and child mortality rates. The infant mortality rate decreased from 72 per 1000 live births in 1970 to only 11 per 1000 live births in 2014 In addition to improving people’s health and well-being, the Universal Health Coverage system has also translated into poverty reduction. Over the past 12 years, the reduction of health costs as a result of the Universal Health Coverage system has prevented more than 100,000 households from reaching the poverty level.

4. The Thai Government seeks to improve the quality of health services and the well-being of the people by paving the way for the Universal Health Coverage system for all in a non-discriminatory manner.  Thailand’s health policies focus on prevention more than treating patients after they become ill, and supports public-private cooperation in developing medical and health service system. The Government also provides legal and social protection to migrant workers.  Recently the Government introduced the “One Stop Service” policy to facilitate the registration for illegal migrant workers and their dependents. During June-October 2014, the Thai authorities successfully regularized over 1.6 million migrant workers.  These measures have helped prevent violation of human rights as well as human trafficking, and ensure that these migrants have access to healthcare services.

5. Thailand believes in international partnership and cooperation.  Capitalizing on Thailand’s strength in healthcare, we are ready to be the center of producing and training quality personnel, as well as the establishment of the ASEAN Community. Furthermore, the 10 ASEAN member countries, and China, Japan and South Korea have joined forces to create an ASEAN Plus Three Universal Health Coverage Network, whereby Thailand will be the center of learning in the region in health management and universal health coverage.  Thailand will cooperate with Japan on technical projects to help drive the Universal Health Coverage system and support global health networks.

6. Lastly, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with all countries and international organizations to promote and achieve universal health coverage systems. Reaching this objective will help us realize the Sustainable Development Goals and create a happy, secure, prosperous and sustainable future for all. Thank you.