Principles of Sangahavatthu 4 and Health Service Delivery in Primary Health Care

Abstract

The objective of this article is to review the literature on the Principles of Sangahavatthu 4 and healthcare services in primary care units. Sangahavatthu 4 (Danā : generosity, Piyavāca : kindly speech, Atthacariyā : beneficial actions, Samānattatā : impartiality) are fundamental principles
that harmonise people to live together happily, eliminating conflicts in society. If applied in primary care units, such as the 9,780 sub-district health promotion hospitals nationwide and the 69 Bangkok Metropolitan health service centers, which are fundamental healthcare facilities that the government provides to the public in communities, providing person-centered care (PCC) is a key focus of high-quality healthcare as it aims to enhance personalised care. This type of care is more important than general standards because individuals, whether patients or service recipients, receive care that is specific and appropriate to their specific health conditions or situations. Applying the Principles
of Sangahavatthu 4 into the public services is in line with the Management of Public Service guide and to complete public services especially Piyavāca which is determined as an opportunity for improvement for public sectors’ services. Piyavāca is not mentioned distinctively in the Management of Public Service guide. Therefore, the staff can practice Piyavāca as well as give a warm welcome, kindly talk, and well-spoken in order to enhance a prospect of positive image and attitude from the recipients. Other principles should be focused on i) excellent service toward the recipients ((Danā/Ample Service), ii) service mind, self-development, including timely service (Atthacariyā/ Progressive and Timely service), and iii) delivering equality and regularly service toward the recipients (Samānattatā/Equitable and Continuous Service), so as to attain outcome of public service and highest satisfaction from the recipients.