Children’s Right to Health

Abstract

Thailand's overall health policy • Thailand has implemented a broad-based and rights-based health policy. Three main health security systems have been provided to all Thais, namely: (1) the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme covering about 5 million people; (2) the Social Security Scheme covering about 9.8 million workers and employees in formal sector; and, (3) the Universal Healthcare Coverage Scheme for those not covered by the two aforementioned schemes numbering around 47.3 million people. • The Government has improved the Universal Healthcare Coverage Scheme by increasing the budget to allow for a higher unit cost per person. Thai nationals under the scheme are entitled to free medical treatment for most diseases. Social security and health insurance is also available for informal and non-Thai workers. • Health centers at the sub-district level have been upgraded to Health Promotion Hospitals across the country to enable those in rural areas to access higher quality healthcare and services. The Government has also provided training to almost one million Community or Village Health Volunteers so that they can provide on-site primary healthcare and help disseminate health-related information to people in the community. Current status of children's right to health under Thailand's legal framework • The promotion and protection of the rights of children, including their right to health, is a priority for Thailand. Since becoming a Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1992, Thailand has enacted new laws and amended several pieces of legislation to bring them into alignment with the CRC's provisions. The most notable one is the Child Protection Act of 2003, which provides protection to all children, including street children, orphans, and children in difficult circumstances, such as impoverished, abandoned or disabled children. Section 22 of the Act states that the best interests of the child shall be given primary importance in the treatment of children, and discrimination of an unfair nature shall be prohibited. The Act also protects children from acts of torture, exploitation and discrimination. • Domestic legislation which contribute to the promotion and protection of children's right to health are as follows: 1. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E.2550 (2007) Article 80 (1) stipulates that the State shall implement social, public health, education and cultural policies to protect and develop children and youth, to support their growth and provide basic education, to promote equality between men and women, to enhance and develop the integrity of families and communities, including to provide assistance and welfare to the elderly, indigent, disabled or handicapped, and those in difficulties to ensure better quality of life and the ability to depend on themselves. Article 80 (2) requires the State to promote, support and develop a health system with an emphasis on the sustainable good health of the people, provide standardized health services, and encourage the private sector and the community to participate in the development of the health system.