The Participatory Healthy Public Policy Implementation : The National Sangha Health Charter

Abstract

Objective of this study was to describe processes of drafting and adopting National Sangha Health Charter using policy analysis framework in order to understand why the charter became an important tool toward desirable monks’ health and systems. Participatory action research (PAR) was applied since authors were involved all process of charter drafting and adopting. Framework of policy analysis was adopted to illustrate the charter processes namely, policy setting, formulation, decision, and implementation. Results showed that participation was emphasized through the charter development process. Firstly, the resolution of the 5th National Health Assembly in 2012 titled ‘Health in Buddhist Monk’ was discussed and adopted to set or raise the agenda awareness for all stakeholders. They also agreed to use the Charter principle to be a participatory social tool. Secondly, the charter was drafted defining objectives and contents the Buddhist monk charter. The charter was drafted into five main categories: principles or desirable vision, self-care and caring for each other according todiscipline, role of community to monks’ health, role of monks to be a focal of the community and society’s health, and implementation. Thirdly, five consultative meetings were conducted during September-October 2017. Finally, during the 10th National Health Assembly in December 2017, the Charter had been publicly announced and held the signing ceremony of the intentions was the important process for implementation engagement. The essence of the declaration of intent urged the key agencies to commit to synergically move this policy forwards. Result of experience confirmed that key strategic partner involvement is crucial for participatory policy process. Public consultation process could raise agenda awareness and level of implementation engagement so called the BOR WORN (means Home-Temple-Government) principle. Although process monitoring and implementation evaluation is undergoing, this tool and framework to lead sustainable development of society is promising.