PCC Nong Sarai powers into 19th year
It is common knowledge that primary care is the heart of public health. That is because primary care can prevent people from falling ill and making hospitals overcrowded.
This is why Pakchongnana Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima has placed great emphasis on its primary care unit for almost two decades. Dr. Ratana Yodarnont, Deputy Director – Primary Care,
Pakchongnana Hospital, recalled the launch of the primary care unit in 2002, around the same time as the arrival of universal health coverage.
“The Primary Care Cluster (PCC) started by reaching out to Pak Chong Municipality. From that collaboration with the local community came the success of Pakchongnana Hospital’s PCC. Like other PCC’s, we offer general services, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The difference though is that working alongside the doctors we have personnel who were children in the area who are dedicated to helping the people they grew up among.”
“The strength of the community prompts people to help, be it with money or their time and labour. Many times, people donate funds and come to help with the work of the PCC. As they are familiar with the patients, they can help to streamline the treatment process. It reÅects how much the local community values the PCC.”
Usually, a PCC will administer to a population of 10,000. As such, four PCCs have been established to serve all 40,000 people in Pak Chong Municipality area. Ms. Sumalai Wannakitpaisarn, Registered Nurse – Senior Professional Level at PCC Nong Sarai, spoke of the services provided by the cluster:
“In the morning and evening, we provide general treatment. In the afternoon, we visit the local community. On certain days of the week we have a specialised clinic. Our work at PCC Nong Sarai covers all patients, from birth to death, including providing new-born care and teaching Buddhist meditation and herb use.”
The success of the PCC Nong Sarai can be seen by the fact that over 70% of patients rarely have to visit the hospital, including those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
A survey of the community found that almost all patients are satisÄed with the activities and their annual health examination results. PCC Nong Sarai is backed by doctors, nurses, academics, public health ofÄcers, dentists, physical therapists, and Thai traditional medical doctors. With the support of Pakchongnana Hospital, PCC Nong Sarai provides comprehensive care for people in the community.
“We have a clear vision and direction to develop local public health services,” explained Ms. Sumalai. “We continue to grow our primary care unit. For myself, it has taught me to be more than a nurse on a ward. Moreover, working for and with the local community makes me happy and keeps moving me forward.”