Hospitals set up fast track for the old
The Public Health Ministry has instructed all its hospitals nationwide to set up a fast track for patients above the age of 70 so they do not have to deal with long queues. The fast track is effective from April 1.
The ministry has also ordered all healthcare units to be friendlier toward elderly patients, who will be entitled to free health checks, as well as screening for depression and dementia.
The move marks the “World Health Day”, which falls on April 7 every year. This year, World Health Organisation has highlighted “Ageing and Health” as a main theme for its campaign called “Good Health Adds Life to Years”.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said Thailand was fast becoming an ageing society as the fertility rate is dropping. As per national statistics, about 13 per cent of the total population or 8.5 million people in Thailand are elderly. The National Statistical Office of Thailand estimates that the population of seniors will rise to 30 per cent by 2050.
Under the new services, a one-stop service centre will be set up to facilitate patients above the age of 70 and a club will be set up to help support self care.
