Bangkok: "Development" emphasized that no conclusion has been reached yet regarding extending the mandatory service period for doctors admitted through the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools (CTMS).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, addressed recent discussions held with Prof. Dr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The discussions centered on the management of the public health workforce, particularly focusing on the distribution of newly graduated doctors into the healthcare system. Efforts are currently underway to collect data on the number of newly graduated doctors and their distribution across the Ministry of Public Health, medical schools, and the private sector. This data will be crucial for informing future workforce policy decisions.
Additionally, information was shared regarding the motivations of doctors and healthcare personnel at various stages of their careers. This exchange aims to identify their needs and the factors influencing their decisions to remain in the healthcare system. The insights gathered will contribute to the development of more appropriate workforce planning strategies.
When queried about the possibility of extending the working period for doctors who graduated through the CTMS program, Mr. Phatthana indicated that while the topic might be explored within the working team, it has not been thoroughly discussed yet. As a result, there is currently no conclusion or official guideline to announce regarding this matter.