Subs surface as health system sinks
News of the submarines purchase forces me to wonder whether the NCPO has mixed up the country’s priorities.
The junta claims that the three subs are vital to national interests, thus justifying a big budget to buy them. But what about the urgent lack of budget for medical staff in public hospitals? Although the Cabinet has approved an emergency budget to cope with that situation, it’s still insufficient.
It has become routine for a large number of public hospitals to delay paying their staff for 6-9 months. They also delay paying overtime to doctors and medical staff who have to work long hours to compensate for the lack of human resources. Worst of all, some public hospitals have even stopped paying their electricity and water bills. They did this probably realising that the utilities authorities are also public services, therefore providing an indirect way to increase their budgets.
According to a study by NIDA (National Institute of Development Administration), our healthcare system is burdened by the “30-baht” universal health coverage programme and is in critical condition. Without immediate reform, it might not survive the serious funding shortfalls. No wonder more and more public medical employees are quitting to join the private sector.
Healthcare versus submarines. It should be clear where the NCPO’s priorities lie.
Anan Pakvasa
Bangkok
