Differential Trends in Equity of Health Service Utilization of In-Patient at Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Levels among Thai Elderly

Abstract

Currently, Thailand has an ageing society. The growth of aging population and the supply side of health care services for elderly are, therefore, of great interest. This study explores the trends of equity in health care utilization by Thai elderly at the secondary and tertiary health care levels for in-patient using Health and Welfare Survey from 2003 to 2007 provided by the National Statistical Office. The methods employ the percentage, quintile and concentration index for measuring equity. This research found that the universal coverage is a pro-poor policy which can reduces the barriers of health care utilization in the overall health services, but when the secondary and tertiary health care levels are divided Universal coverage is pro-poor for the  secondary health care level and is pro-rich for the tertiary health care level.