Environmental Diseases and Occupational Diseases Control Operation Unit Establishment Model in Health Region 10

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) review the law related to establish the Environmental Diseases and Occupational Diseases Control Operation Unit (Env.Occ.CU), 2) explore the Environmental Diseases and Occupational Diseases Control Operation Unit establishment model in the Health Region 10, and 3) identify the barriers of the Env.Occ.CU establishment in such area. This study was a qualitative research. Data were collected using documentary review, face-to-face interview, and group discussion. Purposive sampling was used to select the key persons who have worked in the study provinces. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results found that the Env.Occ.CU have been established successfully in four provinces. Three methods were conducted to adopt resolution for such unit establishment including 1) use the circular formal note to inform the provincial committee 2) hold the provincial committee meeting, and 3) use the circular formal note and hold the provincial committee meeting. The limitations of those establishment included the different interpretation of the law among related personnel, and the difference of the practices and the guideline. Therefore, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) should review and improve the guideline to suit the context and drive the policy to support the implemented resources among public health related agencies at all levels including ministry, department, and province.