PM2.5 pollution targetted with urgent health measures
Thailand is grappling with severe PM2.5 air pollution, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to issue an urgent directive to local administrative organisations and Bangkok. The directive encourages the use of local health security funds to combat the pollution, including purchasing masks for vulnerable groups.
Yesterday, January 26, Doctor Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO, highlighted the worsening PM2.5 pollution impacting various areas early this year. The health minister, who chairs the NHSO board, expressed concern for public health, urging the NHSO to prompt agencies, organisations, and groups of people to initiate projects addressing air pollution.
The minister urged these projects to mitigate health impacts by requesting budget support through the Local Health Security Fund.
In response, the NHSO has sent an urgent letter to the Bangkok governor, mayors, and subdistrict administrative organisation leaders through its regional offices nationwide. The letter aims to clarify and seek collaboration in addressing public health issues and minimising health impacts from PM2.5 pollution.
Dr Jadej explained that to ensure the public’s protection and health impact reduction, the Local Health Security Fund and Bangkok Health Security Fund could assist in resolving these issues. The NHSO requests local administrative organisation executives to develop projects that prevent and address public health problems from air pollution.
These initiatives include identifying at-risk groups, providing educational training, and producing masks adhering to the Department of Health standards. Both funds can also be utilised to purchase PM2.5 protective masks for vulnerable groups.
Dr Jadej emphasised that if any local health security funds have projects not currently in progress, they should consider redirecting efforts to air pollution-related initiatives. This redirection ensures timely problem resolution for residents.
In provincial areas, coordination with the Provincial Public Health Office can identify individuals needing masks, with project examples and further information available through NHSO regional offices or the Local Health Security Fund’s Facebook page.
Additionally, the NHSO has sent an urgent letter to the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary. This letter requests cooperation from the ministry to instruct local administrative organisations to develop projects aimed at preventing and addressing PM2.5 pollution, reported KhaoSod.
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