Public Health Emergency of International Concern Prevention and Control Measures: A Case Study on Special Economic Development Zone, Maesod Border Control, Tak Province, Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to studying, reviewing and analyzing the measures to prevention and control the public health emergency of international concern as well as collecting suggestions of measures in taking actions to be under the key performance as specified in the International  Health Regulations B.E. 2548  (IHR 2005) of the special economic development zone at Mae Sod Border Control, Tak Province. The qualitative methods were used structured interview, content analysis method and creating conclusion of data obtained from interview. 

It was found from the study that for the measures in controlling and preventing the public health emergency of international concern, the operation was characterized by being prepared and monitoring by preparing for plan in response to public health emergency and by practicing the plan as mentioned in the IHR 2005. The key problem and obstacle are found such as a lack of unity in taking actions and that it is not possible to apply legal measures to control and prevent the public health emergency of international concern. The measures are prepared for public health emergency, the enforcement measure to control the entrance-exit of alien laborers, measures in establishing law to control the stay of alien laborers, measure to supervise and monitor environment of the special economic development zone.

The suggestions is that the special economic development zone should specify the policies as follows: 1) policy in preparing to respond to the public health emergency of international concern, 2) policy in creating fairness and equality in accessing to service of alien laborers, 3) policy to control and supervise the work of alien laborers, 4) policy in arranging for welfare of residence of alien laborers, 5) policy on safety environment, 6) policy in developing quality of nursing care centers to admit and transfer patient with infectious disease, and 7) policy in establishing fund for dealing with public danger and public health emergency for the special economic development zone.