Strengthening Primary Health Care in Southeast Asia: Reflections from the SEARCH Bangkok Dialogue

The SEARCH Bangkok Dialogue brought together policymakers, technical experts, and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia in a dynamic exchange on the future of primary healthcare (PHC) systems and financing. Co-hosted by Thammasat University, in collaboration with the International Health Policy Program Foundation Thailand and supported by the Gates Foundation, the event was held under the Chatham House Rule to enable open, honest, and productive dialogue.

Over three days, country teams discussed PHC governance, financing strategies, implementation bottlenecks, and innovations. Participants reflected on real-world experiences, from decentralisation and health system restructuring to strategic purchasing and performance-linked payments. They also explored common challenges and opportunities for cross-country learning.

Key outcomes of the dialogue include:

• Identification of system-level constraints and enablers for PHC performance
• Shared understanding of the region’s evolving financing reforms, particularly the need to better align payment mechanisms with PHC goals
• A commitment to ongoing collaboration through technical workshops and knowledge exchanges in Vietnam and Cambodia

The final Bangkok Dialogue Report synthesises insights from the sessions and offers a forward-looking perspective on what’s needed to realise people-centred, equitable, and resilient PHC across Southeast Asia.

Read the full report and stay connected as we continue this regional journey toward stronger PHC systems.