Association Of Southeast Asian Nations Asean
Only a multidisciplinary approach could capture these complexities embedded in the societies of Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, radical changes to health care accompanied the overthrow of French colonial rule in 1954, land reform, and agricultural collectivization. A socialist health policy was instituted based on principles of preventative medicine, combined use of Western and traditional medicine, and popular participation. The health system was highly decentralized and focused on the commune health center. Decentralization was consistent with socialist principles but was also a practical response to three decades of war (1945–75), including heavy US bombing in the last decade. From the health perspective this translates into self-serving, urban and elite-centered ‘enclave’ medicine that is reliant on Western medical education and technology. Developments On 15 November, Thailand deposited its instrument of ratification of the Third Protocol Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperat...