‘Det Issara’ Proposes National Health Agendas at 17th National Health Assembly.

Bangkok: Mr. Decha Isara Khaothong, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Vice Chairman of the National Health Commission, led the opening of the 17th National Health Assembly 2024. The event, organized by the National Health Commission Office in collaboration with strategic partners, took place on November 27-28 at Muang Thong Thani. Over 2,000 participants attended in person, with more than 1,000 joining online. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Decha Isara delivered a lecture on 'Economy and Health for Sustainable Development of Thailand: What are the Challenges?' emphasizing the intertwined nature of economic growth and health. He highlighted the impact of environmental changes on public health and advocated for early intervention to reclaim environmental resources. Mr. Decha Isara proposed a Memorandum of Understanding among various governmental departments to address pollution and ensure quality public utilities. A significant point raised by Mr. Decha Isara was the economic toll of non-communicable d iseases (NCDs), which claim over 400,000 Thai lives annually and cost the economy approximately 1.6 trillion baht. He called for these issues to become national agendas to reduce NCD-related expenses, which currently require over 150 billion baht annually from the Ministry of Public Health. Mr. Decha Isara also announced intentions for collaborative efforts with the World Health Assembly Network to promote social participation in universal health coverage. This aligns with the resolution jointly developed by Thailand and Slovenia, endorsed at the 77th World Health Assembly. The Assembly Network aims to develop a fair health system through social engagement, involving diverse community representatives to ensure inclusive participation. Ms. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South and East Asia, emphasized the significance of social inclusion in health policy formulation. Representatives from Slovenia, France, Brazil, and civil society groups echoed the importance of social participation in health initia tives. The National Health Assembly has been a platform for such engagement for over 17 years. During the assembly, members will report on past resolutions and consider two new agendas: transforming the workforce for a healthier society and promoting health-oriented, sustainable tourism.