Thailand to Launch Revolutionary Free Healthcare Program in 2024!
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From next year, Thai citizens will only need their ID card to access free medical services. This new scheme will come into effect from January 8 and will be available in government-run and selected private hospitals in Phrae, Roi-et, Phetchaburi and Narathiwat provinces.
Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew has announced that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will preside over the launch of this Phase I universal healthcare program. This program is a continuation and expansion of the Bt30 health program originally introduced by the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party.
Phase II of this program is expected in March and will be implemented in the provinces of Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Phang-nga, Nong Bua Lamphu, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Sa Kaeo. Phase III is scheduled to start in April, the minister said. The intention is for the program to be rolled out nationally within a year.
Recently, the Cabinet approved a budget of 217 billion baht to support this universal healthcare program. This program is also open to migrant workers, but they must present their passport or social security card to use the services.
The average medical coverage per Thai citizen under this program is set at 3.472,24 baht. Dr. Cholnan indicated that the implementation of this program still requires parliamentary approval. However, he emphasized that the disbursement of the budget will not be affected even if there are delays in the parliamentary process.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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In my opinion, little will change in health care other than payment. Even the poor are not bothered by 30 Baht and if you really have nothing at all, there is always a family member or friend who will pay that 30 Baht.
I have visited the hospital many times in recent months with and for my father-in-law and the capacity of the hospitals (beds, doctors, nursing staff) is absolutely insufficient for the growth in demand for (somewhat human) care. The queues are unprecedented, the logistics are poorly organised, there is a huge amount of paperwork, the number of sick elderly people is immense, and the buildings are often old-fashioned and have a patchwork of departments (which means a lot of walking). The sick beds are already next to the elevator on many floors, the family has to feed and change the patients and the family sits or lies outside on the ground and lawns (but in the shade).
To change that a bit, HUGE investments are needed, also in view of the aging of the Thai population. And of course prevention…………..healthier food, drinks,. to live. exercise... well, you know why that is hardly possible in fairly conservative Thailand.
I regularly visit the state hospital, it remains incredibly busy.
A few years ago, the patients were still cared for by the family and they continued to eat and sleep under the beds, but this has now changed and visiting hours have been established and are being enforced.
The only person who pays remains the foreigner, but for those prices I/we shouldn't complain, gallstones removed, 5 days in hospital and maintenance 50k.
It remains a matter of money throughout the world.
You have to be careful not to see everything as connected, but a common thread in regulations that threaten 'the market', such as the entry (or exit) fine of a few hundred baht and, as recently announced, the wealth tax, is that extra revenues are generated. Whether or not they are directly related, the baths must come from the length or breadth to be able to finance all those ambitious plans.