Costs - Effectiveness of the Urban Health Center in
Nakhon Ratchasima : A Case Study on Diabetes and
Hypertension
SUP AS IT PANNARUNOTHAI, M.D., Ph.D.*,
MANIT KONGPAN, M.D.**,
RUCHIRA MANGKLASIRI, M.D., M.P.H.**
Affiliation : *Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000,
** Department of Social Medicine, Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
AbstractHealth care reforms in Thailand are looking for a better health infrastructure within the
urban setting. The urban health center is one of the models tried in many provinces. This study
compared the costs - effectiveness of the urban health center in Nakhon Ratchsima with the
Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, using diabetes and hypertension as tracer conditions. The
point estimates by a retrospective review and cross-sectional study revealed that the overall costs
(provider plus patient costs) of the urban health center for these tracers were lower than the costs
of the Maharaj Hospital. The effectiveness of treatment at the urban health center was also better.
It was concluded that the urban health center should be considered as a better alternative of pri-
mary care institution within the urban area.
Keywords : Cost, Effectiveness, Primary Care, Diabetes, Hypertension, Thailand
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