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Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 10 No. 3 September-December 2012 197

Abstract
Factors Affecting the Development of Successful Thai Traditional Medicine Service Model
at State Health-care Facilities
Teeraya Niyomsil*, Nattiya Kapol**
*Social and Administrative Pharmacy Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University,
freshy_jaa@yahoo.com
**Department of Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, and Ganesh SAP
Research Unit, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom 73000
Corresponding author: pongpol65@hotmail.com

While Thai traditional medicine (TTM) is immensely supported by the government and the
Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) as per the policy and strategy stated in the Fourth through the
Tenth National Economic and Social Development Plans, the TTM service utilization has not
changed dramatically in general hospitals, except in state health-care facilities providing TTM
services according to the MoPH standards. Consequently, this research aimed to determine char-
acteristics and factors affecting TTM service delivery in four purposively selected MoPH hospi-
tals providing TTM services according to such standards, namely Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr
Hospital in Prachin Buri province, Songkhla Hospital in Songkhla province, Kutchum Hospital
in Yasothon province and Bangkrathum Hospital in Phitsanulok province, by conducting in-
depth interviews with hospital administrators and observing the TTM service delivery processes
in each hospital. The results revealed that the important factors for the successful TTM service
delivery systems were the enthusiasm and determination of hospital directors, TTM practitio-
ners and support staff in providing such services; and the TTM services involved the administra-
tors’ support with the clear policy, vision, mission, and strategic plan on such matter, as well as
publicity activities through various media, the preparation of services places, personnel and ma-
terials, the planning of service delivery processes, the systematic surveillance of TTM risks, moni-
toring and evaluation, and monthly reports on service indicators to the directors.
Key words: Thai traditional medicine, service delivery, factor