BANGKOK, July 2015- The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is pushing ahead with its plan to set up farmer health clinics in all district health promotion centers across the country to cope with the rapid jump of chemical-induced illnesses in farmers.
Public Health Minister Ratchata Ratchatanawin said the setting up of farmer health clinics countrywide was aimed at reducing health risks of agriculturists caused by chemical exposure and helping the sick ones. The clinics have been opened in nearly 20 percent of the district health centers.
Between 2010 and 2012, the number of farmers sickened by pest-control substances jumped by more than four times or from 1,800 to 8,000. Health effects of chemical exposure include eye and skin irritation, headaches, muscle pain, nausea and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure could lead to cancer, impotence and paralysis.
Meanwhile, the Disease Control Department has distributed handbooks giving farmers safety guidelines on use of pest-control substances.
