In
addition, local administrative authorities may strengthen minority communities with
reasonable transportation and health facilities which will enable people to have access
to service when they need it. All these, need innovative programs and certainly public
investment. The finding above has important policy implications. It calls attention to
reducing social differences among ethnic groups which inhibits access and utilization of
the health care services. To achieve this goal, public programs must address the
problem from at least two dimensions. On one hand, individuals of the ethnic minorities
must be given equal opportunity to receive health information, if not in Thai language,
at least in their native dialects. For this purpose and where possible, local health centers
and hospitals may consider hiring some workers who know language of minority
population in the area. In the long run, minority population should have access to
education through which they can learn Thai language. On the other, national health insurance scheme should extend its coverage to population of minority groups.