Health Service System of Government Hospital: A Case Study in Outbreak of COVID - 19 Virus in Chonburi Province

Abstract

               This qualitative study aimed to study problems and limitations in the operation of the government hospital's health service system during the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. The research instruments were semi-structured interviews. Informant comprised 23 government agency executives under the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Public Health with the Thai Red Cross Society. Data were collected using in-depth individual interviews and content analysis based on research objectives.

               The study found that: Problems and limitations in the operation of government hospitals are 1) Disease prevention: People were receiving intermittent treatment, personnel lack skills in using medical equipment, and people lack awareness of disease prevention. 2) Treatment: Regulations and administrative plans effect delays in funding support, the building is crowded, the lack of doctors who specialize in infection, and technology is still unable to support effective treatment.

               Suggestion: The government hospital should be developed the standards for the referral of patients to treatment, skills in using medical tools, proactive performance standards, and treatment potential at the level of general hospitals and community hospitals. In addition, the structure of the premises and regulations on budget management should be improved.