1998
January
The Senior Research Scholar (SRS) program (Phase 1)
Pre-IHPP
The SRS program was established by Thailand Research Fund (TRF) in 1995. Recognising his extensive track record in health economic and
financing in Thailand, in 1998 TRF nominated Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien as the SRS in the area of health economic and financing with research
funding for a period of three years between May 1998 and November 2001 with a goal of strengthening young talent researchers. Although the
initial focus of the SRS was on health financing and health economics, but in response to the rapid changes in the Thai health systems, and to
the increasing demand for health systems research and policy formulation among policy makers, both inside and outside the MOPH, the SRS
program had incorporate health systems and policy research into the research portfolios. Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien used SRS as an opportunity
to build capacity in health systems and policy research by recruiting young researchers to conduct research under his supervision.
International Health Scholar (IH Scholar)
Pre-IHPP
Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Thailand, by International Health Division and Bureau of Health Policy and planning initiated the IH Scholar
since 1998 due to the high demand to build up global health capacity in order to protect national and developing countries’ interests and step up
Thailand as one of the key players in the global health. Highly competent government officials from various departments and universities were
recruited to the IH Scholar programme based on their interest and experience in global health, English proficiency and their commitment to the
work in this area. They were assigned to provide technical supports and prepare position papers for senior officials of Ministry of Public Health to
participate in several global health forums. They also actively involved with deliberations in several international health platforms and played
outstanding roles,as witnessed by international peers.
IH Scholar program attracted talented fellows from various organizations inside and outside the MOPH in order to foster their capacity. With
financial support from MOPH and WHO country office, a committee appointed by MOPH recruited nearly 50 IH scholars under the supervision
of Bureau of Policy and Strategy (BPS), and approximately 20 members remained active. These scholars actively involved in the preparation of
the country’s policy stances on global health agendas, which would be discussed at several international health forums such as the Global Fund
to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; WHO Executive Board meetings; World Health Assembly (WHA); and South East Asia Regional
Committee meetings. The IH scholars also learned technical skills in real life negotiation, collaboration and alliance with international partners,
coalition and building up further international and regional networks.
