Factors and Barriers of Health Consumer Protection’s Policy implementation

Abstract

Introduction:  Health consumer protection policy can be implemented in many ways, but the study related to factors and barriers of implementing this policy was limited.  This study objectives were to study priority of works and policy, as well as factors and barriers of health consumer protection policy implementation.  Methods:  This is a qualitative study.  In-depth interview, participatory observation and documentary review were used to obtain information from January through October 2015.  Eleven informants, the director and officers of public health pharmacy and consumer protection departments from the provincial health office and community hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani and Srisaket provinces, were purposively selected.  Data were analyzed by content analysis and conceptual framework.  Results: Health consumer protection policy was implemented differently in both provinces.  Health education and publicrelation were emphasized in Ubon Ratchathani province to promote compliance from vendors and citizen, health promotion on organic agricultural food and food and health-related products surveillance on the borderline.  For Srisaket province, surveillance of steroid-contaminated products in community, collaboration between vendors and community radio station, and smoking and alcohol-free policy were emphasized.  Factors influencing policy implementation were (1) publicization that increased perception of and compliance with policy from citizens and vendors, (2) participation from stakeholders and other related organizations, (3) performance of the organization that leads to coordinating and supporting policy implementation.  Important problems and barriers were (1) unclear policy and predetermined performance indicators from policy makers that were implemented at local level differently, (2) lack of team-working (3) limited manpower and budget, (4) conflicts of interest among vendors and policy implementators and (5) lack of ability, attitudes, and skills of officers for policy implementation. Conclusion:  Health consumer protection policy was implemented differently in each province.  Factors and barriers related to policy implementation must be considered to be able to implement the policy practically.