Thai Health Minister delivers bundle of joy and initiative: Give Birth, Great World

Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health and associated agencies, this week launched an initiative called Give Birth, Great World at a press conference in Ayutthaya. The primary concern addressed at the launch meeting was Thailand’s alarming demographic trends, which, according to reports, is causing the nation to be among 23 others worldwide with a higher death rate than the birthrate.

It’s a situation that not only leads to a dwindling population but also contributes to the birth of infants with poor health.

Dr Cholnan highlighted the gravity of the situation by stating that if this trend continues unabated, Thailand’s population could potentially shrink to 33 million people six decades from now. The working population, in particular, would be drastically reduced to a mere 14 million adults. This demographic shift, he cautioned, could indeed precipitate an economic crisis in the future.

In response to this disturbing trend, the Thai government has decided to elevate the issue of the country’s low birth rate to a national agenda, starting from December 25. The government aims to encourage Thai citizens to have more children, thereby slowing the rapid decrease in the total reproductive rate.

The 62 year old Minister of Public Health further mentioned that the government is striving to ensure that reproductive health rights become a fundamental right for every citizen in the country.

“Primary Health Care officials would help locals realise the importance of having children as the world’s greatest gift.”

The Give Birth, Great World initiative represents a concerted effort by the Thai government to reverse the country’s declining population trend. It’s clear how seriously the government is taking this issue, and they’re hoping that by raising awareness and supporting reproductive health rights, they can ensure a brighter future for Thailand.

In related health news, the Department of Disease Control in Thailand (DDC) this week reported a sudden surge in weekly Covid-19 cases with over 500 new patients and three fatalities. The DDC revealed 88 cases of pneumonia among Covid patients. The report, which covers the period from November 26 to December 2, confirms an average of 76 hospital admissions and one death per day. Read more about the story HERE.