Mongkol Na Songkhla facts for kids

Mongkol Na Songkhla (Thai: มงคล ณ สงขลา, born January 16, 1941 – died December 11, 2020) was a doctor and important government official in Thailand. He worked to improve public health for everyone. He served as the Minister of Public Health, which means he was in charge of the country's health system.

He was chosen for this big job by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Surayud Chulanont. Mongkol Na Songkhla started his role on October 9, 2006. He served until February 6, 2008, when another person, Chaiya Sasomsab, took over.

Education and Early Career

Mongkol Na Songkhla studied medicine at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. This is a well-known medical school in Thailand. He earned a Bachelor's degree in medicine there.

He also continued his studies abroad. He received a Master's degree in Public Health from the Netherlands. Later, he earned a Ph.D. related to making medicines.

After finishing his education, he worked as a doctor for the Ministry of Public Health. He helped many people in different parts of Thailand. He was even the director of Phimai Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Mongkol Na Songkhla moved up in his career. He became the Director-General of the Department of Medical Services. He also served as the Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration. His highest position was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health. This role is a very senior administrative job in the government.

In 1976, he was recognized for his hard work. He won the Outstanding Rural Doctor Award. This award showed his dedication to helping people in smaller towns and villages.

Family Background

Mongkol Na Songkhla belonged to the Na Songkhla family. This family has a long history in Thailand. They have Thai Chinese roots. The family has been important in government and society for a long time.

Their family history goes back to Chin Yiang Sae Hao. He was the first person from their clan to come to Thailand. He moved from Fujian province in China around 1750. The family later became very influential in Songkhla Province.

Work as Health Minister

When Mongkol Na Songkhla was the Minister of Public Health, he made some big changes. One important change was making the 30-baht universal healthcare program completely free. This program helps people get medical care without paying a lot.

At first, there was some discussion about the budget for this program. But the government later increased the money given per person for healthcare. This helped more people get the care they needed.

Another important step he took was about medicines. He allowed the government to make copies of certain patented drugs. This is called issuing compulsory licenses. It meant that more affordable versions of important medicines could be made available to people.

Mongkol Na Songkhla also suggested a ban on all alcohol advertising in Thailand. This idea was to help reduce alcohol use. Even though the ban was not officially signed into law by the King, many TV channels and publishers decided to follow it voluntarily. This showed his commitment to public health.

Later Life and Passing

Mongkol Na Songkhla passed away on December 11, 2020. He was 79 years old. He had been battling cancer for some time. He received treatment until his passing.

See also

In Spanish: Mongkol Na Songkhla para niños