Country case studies on primary health care: Thailand: the development of primary health care

This report outlines the evolution of primary health care (PHC) in Thailand, as an example of successful health system development with notable achievements in universal health coverage (UHC) and maternal-to-child HIV transmission elimination. It reviews the historical progression of PHC in Thailand, its pivotal role in facilitating UHC, and the necessary adaptations for future sustainability. The report begins with PHC's selective child survival interventions in the 1980s, traces its evolution into a comprehensive system supporting UHC in the 2000s, and concludes with future adjustments to address demographic and epidemiological transitions, particularly regarding the aging population and the increasing burden of chronic conditions. The key problem addressed is the need to ensure that PHC remains responsive to evolving health needs while maintaining its foundational principles of accessibility, equity, and effectiveness amidst demographic shifts and changing disease patterns, underscoring its significance for sustainable health system development.