Lesson Learned from the Development of Consumer Protection Club at Taluk Subdistrict, Sappaya District, Chinart Province

Abstract

Objectives: To study the developmental process and key success factors of the Consumer Protection Club at Taluk subdistrict, Sappaya district, Chinart province.  Methods: The study was qualitative research collecting the data from literature review, focus group discussion and In-depth interview with informants including leaders of the Club, its members and those involved in the Club. Content analysis was used to analyze data and summarize the lesson learned from the Club. Results: The club was established in 2012, following the Ministry of Health policy with assistance from the Sapphaya District Health Office. Initially, there were 10 members consisting of health workers, village health volunteers and representatives from the community. In 2014, the number of members increased to 54 including members of Taluk municipal council, community leaders, entrepreneurs and local scholars. Consumer protection activities focused on those consistent to the policy of Public Health Ministry. Members of the Club played an important role on sharing idea on activities, conducting the activities, and finding sources of budget. However, concrete goal setting was not found.  The major achievements of the Club were the elimination of some chemical contaminants in food, whistleblowing of illegal fashion orthodontics and exaggerate advertising of health products, and establishment of stalls for chemicals free vegetables and rice. The activities of the Clubs led to the wining of many awards at the regional level.   Key success factors were having leading group with excellent skill in working with community, having financial support from the Municipal and subdistrict health fund, having members from many sectors, and having government sectors as consultants. Conclusions: Even though, the Club was started from the government policy but its development led to the reduction of consumer protection problems in the community. The relevant party should empower the Club to become a strong civil organization with autonomy in setting concrete policies and goals for its operation. The government sector must play its role as a consultant and supporter of information and resources as appropriate