In Thailand, 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health issues and require care. However, Thailand and many other countries often do not place sufficient importance on standard and adequate mental health care. Many people have biases against mental illness, where patients often face opposition and disgust from society (Stigma and Discrimination). Seeking treatment is still seen as something to be ashamed of.
Collaboration between public and private sectors in developing mental and psychiatric health services in Thailand
Public health in our country has developed to match international civilizations and surpasses many countries. It is necessary for the public and private sectors to work together, requiring collaboration from three parties: public sector, private sector, and professional organizations. Mental health work is a specialized area that requires knowledge and expert personnel, where the public sector has organizations responsible for the development of policies, knowledge in care, mental health promotion, and support for experts, while the private sector has strengths in developing specialized services to international excellence standards, considering the needs of patients and their relatives as a priority.
The development of cooperation between the public and private sectors or civil society is thus important and supported by Bangkok Hospital, whether it be in service development, training, academic development, personnel development, research, etc., including the development of health networks, civil society, both in Thailand and neighboring countries.
We know that the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, has a policy to promote and support the development of mental and psychiatric services in general and community hospitals, as well as the development of international collaboration on mental health at various levels including the Sub – Mekong Region, ASEAN, and global levels, which is consistent with Bangkok Hospital’s operations.
Concepts developed by Bangkok Hospital related to mental and psychiatric health services
Mental Health for All – the mind has power over the body. Good health must include an important component, which is good mental health, and caring for mental health should be important to everyone.
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Psychiatric patients (Mental Illness) receive excellent service both in service standards and satisfaction.
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Develop mental health care in patients (Co – Occurring Disorders) to improve the effectiveness of physical disease treatment and improve the quality of life of patients.
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Support the general public, who may be at risk of mental health problems (Mental Health Difficulties) or even those without issues, to understand the importance of mental health. Focus on identifying problems in the risk group for rapid assistance and support the promotion of good mental health in the general public.
- Support the development of service and academic standards in mental and psychiatric health to international excellence (Recovery Oriented Services; ROS).
Bangkok Hospital’s Mental Care Center
The Mental Care Center at Bangkok Hospital is a service center for mental health (Mental Health) and psychiatric care, opening for outpatient services and consultations across departments within the hospital. The center operates under the principles of Recovery (Recovery Oriented Services; ROS) by supporting patient involvement in the treatment process from the beginning and offering the opportunity to choose Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs suited to their potential.Additionally, Bangkok Hospital’s Mental Care Center plays an essential role in supporting the strength of the mental health patient network and caregivers through the Consumer and Carer Consultation program and Community and Family Reintegration, which are crucial in supporting psychiatric patients to potentially return to their normal lives and reintegrate into their families and society happily.
Service channels and benefits for the public
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Bangkok Hospital services provide patients and their families with value for high standard services by professional staff, who are experts in psychiatry, with services tailored to the specific needs of each patient to maximize benefits, coupled with care and heartfelt service, which are essential standards of Bangkok Hospital.
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Clinic Primary policy for greater public and community access allows the general public to access initial screening services for finding diseases or risk factors for various problems, both physical and mental. If it is found that specific treatment is needed, doctors will then refer to continue treatment at the hospital. Additionally, the hospital organizes knowledge-sharing activities, seminars for patients, relatives, caregivers, and the general public to learn about health care for various diseases regularly.
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Gold Card Plus Policy.
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Bangkok Hospital supports patient networks and experienced individuals in mental health advocacy to reduce discrimination, as social security and general health insurance systems often reject psychiatric disorders.
Bangkok Hospital recognizes the importance of mental health services. We are aware that when one person suffers emotional distress, the people around them, whether family, friends, or acquaintances, are severely affected. We want to develop excellent services to be able to care for you and your loved ones to return to normal and regain the highest possible potential for a meaningful and happy life.
