Question:
Why should there be more independently operating doctors in Thailand?
Are there real benefits to more independent clinics operating in densely populated areas?
A Day at the National Cancer Center
Recently, I went to the National Institute of Thailand for a regular overview check-up of my systems.
Upon walking into the center, I was met with people of all shapes, sizes, and conditions in the waiting area. There were hundreds of them. By the way, there are no pictures inside of the hospital taken (other than the selfie) out of respect for patients. However, I did get a panoramic shot of the cantina. 😀
I went to the welcome office.
Then, I went to another receptionist/nurse.
Afterward, a smiling nurse appeared out of nowhere to guide me to the next station: the clinic inside of the hospital/national cancer institute.
Winding through hallways, upstairs, and into a fully pink room, I had arrived at what was called, “The Premium” health check.
Here, I realized that it was normal hospital practice to provide systems and support for doctors as they treat their patients…and that varies based on the institution.
In a sectioned-off clinic that operates inside of the hospital as part of the hospital but essentially as its own clinic, I spoke with my young doctor.
His English was communicative and he truly wanted to help.
Without asking, the young doctor began to account for how the cardiac center was located in a different compound nearby, and that the systems weren’t fully interlinked. There was indeed an operating cardiologist on site, but it seemed to me at this point that this center focused on matters of the blood, gut, and overall indicators of cancer.
I started to imagine this doctor’s level of quality assurance he has for his patients and really began to wonder.
What if the potentially thousands of patients within this center could have a doctor like this?
A doctor who would function as the traditional family doctor.
In times past, a local or small community would have a few people skilled in medicine basically moderating the health of everyone inside of it. 100 to 150 people would all entrust most of their care, maintenance, and overall health advice to this one person.
Now, in 2022 and beyond, it is this humble writer’s opinion that we should return to this model.
A doctor (combined with the internet) and with access to:
- the highest quality laboratory processes and reporting
- waiting room, treatment room, consultation room, and surgical/operating room
could monitor a patient’s health metrics on a regular basis to care for his/her/their community of patients rather than
adhere to potentially limiting red tape of bureaucratic origins.
Within a greater level of social quality assurance, this person/doctor/nurse has been entrusted and has fully accepted internally,
that
the longevity of his community is within his/her/their direct interests
&
as a result, the output/outcomes of their care and attention to relevant medical details could be greater than the standardized care most patients receive.
The next challenge to address would be an intersystemwide (all clinics) financial system to supplement and support current funding advantages utilized under current medical systems.
Potential Benefits of More Independently Operating Doctors in Thailand:
- Increased accessibility: Independent clinics may be more widely distributed throughout the country, making it easier for people to access medical care in their local communities.
- Greater flexibility: Independent clinics may have more flexibility in terms of their operating hours and the services they offer, which could be beneficial for patients with busy schedules or those who need specialized care.
- Lower costs: Independent clinics may have lower overhead costs, which could lead to lower fees for patients.
- Greater choice: With more independently operating doctors, patients may have more choice in terms of which provider they see, which could allow them to find a doctor who is the best fit for their needs.
- Improved quality of care: Independent clinics may be able to provide more personalized care, as doctors may have more time to spend with each patient. This could lead to better outcomes for patients.
It’s important to note that there are also potential drawbacks to having more independent clinics, such as a lack of coordination between different providers and a lack of resources for specialized or complex care. Overall, the decision to increase the number of independent clinics in Thailand would depend on a variety of factors and would need to be carefully considered.
Conclusion
The solution this humble writer would propose would be:
Let’s get more doctors operating independently, but with support and…funding.