30-baht scheme expands its network

People of Bangkok who are covered by the 30-baht universal health care plan can now go to any of the contracted hospitals and pharmacists under the system to get some basic health care services.

&nbsp, Bangkok is the latest of 46 provinces to enter this programme that aims to improve the convenience of patients under the healthcare scheme, and which is now estimated to cover 76 % of the population ( 47 million people ), Treechada Srithada, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Health, said yesterday.

The other regions include Roi Et, Phetchaburi, Narathiwat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phangnga, Phetchabun, Sa Kaeo, Sing Buri, Buri Ram, Surin, Songkhla, Satun, Trang, Pattani and Yala.

She said that people who are covered by the healthcare plan in these provinces is merely present their national ID card to any new healthcare facility.

Since their medical records may be shared with a typical patient database, they no longer have to obtain a clinic referral paper if they need to be moved to a larger hospital in their province or any of the participating provinces.

The rest of the nation is anticipated to sign up for the program this year, when subscribers can access a medical service through any global contracted healthcare facility, according to Ms. Treechada.

For 16 fundamental illnesses at contracted pharmacies, 32 fundamental medical procedures at contracted health clinics, including wound dressing and pre-prescription medications, and 22 different types of pre-approved laboratory tests, can be obtained for free over-the-counter medications.

Additionally covered are Thai standard medical treatments like massage and natural steams as well as basic dental care services as prescribed by a doctor, as well as medical examinations and related services that do not require hospital admission.

To verify that a doctor or pharmacist is a service provider participating in the healthcare scheme, patients are advised to look for the scheme’s logo when they find one nearby, according to Ms. Treechada.

In light of Bangkok’s higher population density, she said, is the territory where things get toughest.

” As for the other 30 regions, please waited a little longer”, she said.