BIG THINGS EXPECTED FROM NARONG AT MINISTRY

Under this scheme, patients are required to pay Bt30 for healthcare services provided at state hospitals nationwide. 

 

Narong, who is director general of the Mental Health Department at present, said he would improve the sector’s financing system and help improve the quality of medical services offered and make it more efficient. He takes up his post at the ministry in October. Before taking over at the Mental Health Department, Narong worked as deputy permanent secretary at the Public Health Ministry and was in charge of overseeing the ministry’s healthcare financing system. 

 

He also worked as the ministry’s inspector general at some point. 

 

Narong’s new post is being welcomed by the Thai Federation of General and Central Hospital Doctors, with the federation’s chairperson Dr Prachumporn Boonchareon saying she believes that Narong is perfect for the job because he understands public health management very well. 

 

Meanwhile, Dr Kriangsak Watcharanukulkiat, president of the Rural Doctors’ Society, said he wanted Narong to look into the alleged irregularities involving the previous government’s stimulus scheme, Thai Khemkhaeng, in relation to the purchase of medical equipment. 

 

Previously, the Public Health Ministry had submitted an investigation report into the issue with the Cabinet. 

 

At the time, Narong was deputy permanent secretary and had overseen the investigation, but so far there has been no progress on the government’s side and no action has been taken against the wrongdoers. 

 

“We want Narong to continue his job and find those responsible,” he said.

 

Kotchanuch Saengthalang, a spokesperson of the Health Security advocacy group, said she wanted the ministry’s new permanent secretary to eliminate the difference in healthcare services offered by the three national healthcare schemes.