Thais take medicine like candy
Fifteen percent of the Thai population uses medicines without a doctor's prescription. Every day, 128 million pills are sold or prescribed by doctors.
Raw fish in Isan increases risk of liver cancer
Whatever Isan may have for beautiful views and impressive monuments, there is a terrible danger lurking: liver cancer! Traditionally, the population there is accustomed (and addicted) to eating raw freshwater fish in the Koy Pla, the fish salad. And that's the culprit.
30 baht for hospital consultation back with a vengeance
The Pheu Thai government is going to reduce the 30-baht health care program introduced by the Thaksin government. But the program returns with 'improved quality', says Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa (Public Health). 'Patients will be given the option to pay for quality services in addition to the free packages currently provided.' The 30-baht program was introduced in 2001. Some 48 million people then gained access to health care by paying 30 baht per consultation when visiting …
Thai hospitals are struggling with super bacillus
Thailand is heading for a health crisis due to antimicrobial resistance, which could lead to more complicated treatments for bacterial infections and higher costs. The National Antimicrobial Surveillance Center concludes that after a survey in 28 hospitals during the period 2000-2010. An antimicrobe kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Carbapanems and Cefoperazone-Sulbactam are considered the last antibiotics against many bacterial infections. Hospitals are struggling with Acinebacter baumannii, which is resistant to Carbapanem. …
Thai waistlines expand
Forty percent of Thai children under the age of six are overweight. In 2003 that percentage was 13,4. The culprits are known: junk food, snacks and soft drinks that contain a mountain of sugar. Young people spend about 10.000 baht on this every year. They are not or hardly aware of the risks: tooth decay and, later in life, cardiovascular disease, gout, high blood pressure and diabetes. Thais have a sweet tooth. For the past 14 years it has been…
