Health ministry to speed up new family care

Citing a national study of the intelligence quotient among Thai children, he said the overall figure had decreased from 91 points in 1997 to 88 in 2002. The standard is between 91 and 110 points.

Moreover, the rate of physical development in children has decreased from 72 per cent in 2004 to 67.5 per cent in 2007.

Breastfeeding exclusively during the first six months of life has increased in Thailand from 5.4 per cent in 2005 to 20 per cent this year. But when compared with neighbouring countries such as Cambodia (65 per cent) and the Philippines (34 per cent), Thailand has the lowest rate.

In a bid to boost development in children, Narongsak said the Public Health Department was encouraging mothers to feed their babies with breast milk, the best natural source of nutrition - providing tremendous value and benefit for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends mothers feed babies with breast milk for at least six months, and complementary breastfeed until the age of two.

"Feeding a baby with breast milk would reduce the risk of diabetes by 40 per cent, leukaemia by 20 per cent and obesity by 22 per cent. It can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure when children grow up," he said.

The department is planning to set up family care centres in 9,760 primary care units and 970 hospitals across country. The centres comprise child, parental and elderly care - and the project is under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi.

For children, the centres will provide a daycare service for physical and intellectual development, promote the participation of families and communities in taking care of and developing children, and provide qualified daycare service, Narongsak said.