Development of a model for consumer protection operations for health products of local administrative organizations in Chanthaburi Province: a case study of Laem Sing District

Abstract

The protection of consumers in health products to keep up with the problem situation in each area requires the work of local administrative organizations (LAOs) that are close to the people. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research to develop a model for the operation of consumers in health products of local administrative organizations in Chanthaburi Province. From the case study of Laem Sing District by interviewing and holding focus groups according to the POSDCoRB theory to create a model for the operation of consumers in health products of Chanthaburi Province. The study results found that most LAOs in Laem Sing District are still unaware and do not operate in the missions transferred from the FDA (5 out of 6). This is a major problem in the transfer of consumer protection missions. Although some LAOs have implemented consumer protection, they are only in the position of co-workers, not the main responsible parties. The results of the analysis of data from the focus group meetings and the literature review found that an effective model for consumers in health products of LAOs in Chanthaburi Province must emphasize the participation of all sectors, including producers, consumers, public health agencies, and LAOs, and must be two-way communication, i.e. from the central government to the local government and from the local government to the central government, with the local public health agencies as the coordinating agencies to ensure efficient work, avoid duplication, and reduce gaps in operations. Including making policy proposals so that local government executives see the importance and drive operations, coordinate, support or push policies to set common indicators that must be implemented, create a process for participation in the preparation of strategic plans, set goals, support budgets, equipment, public relations media and extract lessons from successful local governments, study success factors and obstacles to operations.