Bangkok: The government is taking significant steps toward enhancing community health care by preparing to train 10,000 community nurse volunteers. This initiative aims to work alongside village health volunteers (VHVs) to provide essential healthcare services, particularly for the elderly, bedridden patients, and vulnerable groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Ministry of Public Health is implementing a public health policy to produce community nursing volunteers (CHVs). These volunteers will focus on promoting quality of life for all age groups, with particular emphasis on the elderly, bedridden patients, and other vulnerable populations. The CHVs' responsibilities will include conducting local health care, performing initial disease screenings, and coordinating with VHVs or sub-district health promotion hospitals (HPHs) to ensure comprehensive treatment. The initiative targets four specific groups: the elderly/bedridden, patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mothers and children, and patients with mental illness or substance abuse issues.
Ms. Ploytalee further explained that the government, through the Department of Health Service Support under the Ministry of Public Health, plans to initiate the training of community nursing volunteers by 2026. Applications will be accepted via the 'Doctor Ready' application, the Department of Health Service Support website, and the Boromarajonani Institute website during the latter half of 2026. Applicants, aged between 22 and 70 and holding a bachelor's degree, will undergo interviews and psychological assessments before committing to a two-year contract.
The applicants will be categorized into three groups based on their qualifications for training: those with health-related bachelor's degrees will undergo 2 months/240 hours of training; those with degrees in other fields will undergo 4 months/480 hours of training; and retired professional nurses under 70 will undergo 1 week/30 hours of training. The training will consist of 30% theory, 50% practical, and 20% field training, with a minimum passing score of 70%.
Ms. Ploytalee assured that the government's policy to train 10,000 community nursing volunteers will not disrupt existing caregivers but rather enhance community patient care through skill development. She emphasized the government's commitment to creating jobs and enhancing healthcare workers' potential, stating that caregivers can continue their work as usual without being affected by the new policy.