Ministry launches new push to tap into 'medical economy'Listen to this articleThe so-called "medical economy" championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Under Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, the Ministry of Public Health is steering the sector toward a more diversified revenue model, reducing its heavy reliance on government budgets and funding from the National Health Security Office. The move comes as many public hospitals face growing debt, largely attributed to rising costs under the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. While public hospitals remain committed to providing universal healthcare, he said they must also generate their own income to ensure financial resilience and strengthen the sector as a whole. Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said medical technology and innovation remain among the agency's flagship priorities.

Source: Bangkok Post January 05, 2026 01:36 UTC