Thailand has introduced measures to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to "reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one third" and "achieve universal health coverage" by 2030, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said.
The country has succeeded in expanding access to health services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme to 99.6% of the population since 2021, which is the highest coverage in Southeast Asia according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Gen Prayut said.
His comments were delivered via teleconference at the International Strategic Dialogue Meeting on NCDs and SDGs, in Accra, Ghana.
Nevertheless, he said, tackling NCDs remains a key challenge and the government has declared the prevention and control of NCDs a national priority.
All stakeholders are encouraged to take part in developing strategies and action plans on NCDs. Progress reports must be submitted to the cabinet for monitoring and review purposes.
This will also help mobilise resources to invest in health promotion as a part of disease prevention, the prime minister added.
Gen Prayut said the pandemic has imposed limitations on the delivery and provision of NCD-related services.
He believes that the prevention and treatment of such diseases need to be integrated into the public health emergency plan for better preparation and responsiveness to future public health crises.
A comprehensive and inclusive universal health system also contributes to better management of health services including NCDs. Thailand stands ready to share its experiences and enhance collaboration with other countries in this area, he said.
The International Strategic Dialogue Meeting on NCDs and SDGs was held to follow up on the progress of a UN General Assembly declaration on the prevention and control of NCDs.