Treatment of Brain Tumors in Thailand from 2005 to 2014: Data from the National Health Security Office
Kullapat Veerasarn MD*, Vutisiri Veerasarn MD**
Affiliation : * Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand ** Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the treatment of brain tumor in Thailand.
Material and Method: The data from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) concerning the principle diagnosis of brain
tumors between 2005 and 2014 were retrieved and analyzed for their treatment.
Results : Between 2005 and 2014, there were a total of 93,810 hospital admissions in Thailand for brain tumor treatment. The
number of brain tumors had increased each year (from 6,056 in 2005 to 12,098 in 2014) but the length of stay (LOS) had been
shorter (from 13.28 in 2005 to 9.94 days in 2014). The adjusted relative weight had increased from 2.946 to 4.383,
respectively. The number of poor outcomes had also decreased from 23.7% in 2005 to 18.1% in 2014. Above 80% of total
admissions, the treatment was performed within the health region, namely region 1, 7, 12 and 13 which had very high
treatment rates within the region.
Conclusion : The treatment of brain tumors in Thailand is developed throughout the country, with better outcomes, shorter
lengths of stay. The health region 1, 7, 12 and 13 have a very high ability to treat brain tumors in their areas.
Keywords : Treatment, Brain tumor, National Health Security Office, Thailand
