An assessment of the Thai government's health services for the aged.

In 1998, the Health System Research Institute of Thailand conducted a comprehensive review of the health services available to elderly people. As part of this review, data were gathered based on the services provided in public facilities. Four methods of data gathering were used; namely, 1) interviews with policy-makers and implementers, 2) surveys of elderly people in the community, 3) exit interviews with patients at hospitals, and 4) observations in hospitals. Results of this review were summarized, which includes findings obtained through the latter three methods in the following areas: coverage of elderly people's card scheme, payments, travel to a health facility, care provided at the facility, and outreach services. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy recommendations.