Development of Systems and Mechanisms for Managing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Crisis in Det Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

This action research endeavored to develop systems and mechanisms for managing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in Ubon Ratchathani Province, focusing on district and sub-district levels. A structured tool served as a guideline for questions during group discussions. Data analysis encompassed frequency and percentage calculations for quantitative data, along with content analysis for qualitative data. The findings indicate that district and sub-district departments have established cooperation systems alongside comprehensive guidelines. Clear guidelines are outlined in the disease control manual, and infectious waste management practices were observed to be appropriate. Budget plans have been formulated by municipal and sub-district administrative organizations to prepare for disease control in the upcoming year. Additionally, there is a plan to utilize funds from the Community Health Security Fund to adequately address disease control within sub-districts. Kham Khrang sub-district has devised a local health charter to bolster operational readiness and address potential crises from other infectious diseases. These study results can serve as a model for budgetary support from local government organizations, facilitating the incorporation of disease control budgets into strategic plans supported by the Community Health Security Fund. This approach enables the measurement of budget administration success and encourages the use of information for continuous learning, assessment, and improvement of fund disbursement processes to sustainably support COVID-19 control and prevention efforts.