Thailand medical authorities launches first mediation training program to reduce medical lawsuits in the country

Thailand Medical: In a significant move aimed at reducing medical lawsuits and fostering social harmony, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand has launched an intensive training program for its first batch of 60 medical dispute mediators. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage conflicts within the healthcare system more effectively, aligned with the Mediation Act of 2019.


Thailand medical authorities launches first mediation training program to reduce medical lawsuits in the country.
Image Credit : Thai MOPH

Addressing the Rising Tide of Medical Disputes
On August 16, 2024, at Phra Nangklao Hospital in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand’s Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, inaugurated the first training program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to mediate and resolve disputes. This initiative comes in response to an increasing number of legal cases involving the healthcare sector. Approximately 30 cases are brought to court each year, costing the government around 6 million baht in damages annually.
 
The Mediation Act of 2019 was enacted to provide a legal framework for mediation, offering disputing parties an opportunity to resolve conflicts amicably without the need for judicial intervention. This act aims to reduce the caseload of courts, save on litigation costs, and promote peace and harmony in society.
 
Training the First Cohort of Health Dispute Mediators
Minister Somsak emphasized that conflicts and disputes are not limited to any single profession; they permeate every sector, including healthcare. The newly introduced mediation program is designed to address this issue by creating a cadre of trained mediators who can handle disputes within the healthcare system effectively.
 
"Mediation is both an art and a science. Mediators must not only understand the theories, concepts, and practices but also possess the essential skills to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution," said Minister Somsak. "This training will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively, benefiting both the nation and its citizens."
 
The first batch of trainees includes 60 healthcare professionals who, upon completing the course, will be registered as official mediators under the Ministry of Public Health. These individuals will be instrumental in managing disputes, thereby reducing the number of cases that escalate to court and fostering a more harmonious society.
 
A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Mediation Skills
Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the significance of the program in addressing the frequent legal challenges faced by medical and healthcare personnel. Most of these cases involve disputes related to the services provided by healthcare units.
 
To tackle this issue, Thailand Medical authorities at the Ministry of Public Health signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Justice on July 23, 2024. This agreement aims to enhance the capabilities of healthc are personnel, enabling them to serve as mediators under the provisions of the Mediation Act of 2019. The training program has been approved by the National Administration of Justice Development Commission and focuses on imparting a deep understanding of the theories, concepts, practices, and skills necessary for effective mediation.
 
The course is designed to build the confidence and competence of healthcare professionals in managing disputes. It emphasizes the importance of good communication skills, positive attitudes, and strong personalities, which are crucial for mediating disputes, especially in challenging situations where negotiations might be difficult. By fostering these skills, the program aims to equip mediators with the ability to handle conflicts efficiently and uphold the standards expected of Ministry of Public Health mediators.
 
Promoting Access to Justice and Reducing Litigation Costs
The establishment of this mediation program is expected to significantly reduce the number of cases that proceed to court. This will not only help the public access justice more conveniently and quickly but also reduce litigation costs, benefiting both the individuals involved and the government.
 
The program also aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal of promoting social harmony by minimizing conflicts and fostering understanding within the community. The training sessions include participants from central health regions 4, 5, and 6, who will go on to be registered as official mediators under the Ministry of Public Health.


 Image Credit -Thai MOPH

Following their registration, these mediators will work under the supervision of the Disciplinary Standards and Ethical Systems Office of the Permanent Secretary’s Office at the Ministry of Public Health. This office will oversee the registration process and the establishment of mediation centers at the regional and provincial levels.
 
The Future of Mediation in Thailand’s Healthcare System
As Thailand’s healthcare system continues to evolve, the role of mediators will become increasingly important in managing disputes and ensuring that conflicts are resolved amicably. The success of this first batch of mediators will likely set a precedent for future training programs, further embedding mediation into the fabric of Thailand’s healthcare dispute resolution system.
 
By reducing the number of cases that escalate to court and promoting a culture of understanding and cooperation, this initiative by the Ministry of Public Health is poised to make a significant impact on the Thai healthcare system and society as a whole.
 
This program represents a forward-thinking approach to handling disputes within the healthcare system, ensuring that conflicts are resolved in a way that benefits all parties involved. As these newly trained mediators take on their roles, they will be at the forefront of a movement that could transform how medical disputes are handled in Thailand, making the system more efficient, cost-effective, and harmonious.
 
For more updates on healthcare developments in Thailand, be sure to follow the latest news on Thailand Medical News.
 
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