NGSO to widen GAS access for gold card holders

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In: South-East Asia

3 December 2023 at 4:55PUBLISHED

NGSO to widen GAS access for gold card holders
On June 30, LGBTQIA organizations liven up the” This is Pride of Siam” parade at the siam square. During Pride Month, a promotion to encourage gender diversity included the event. ( Image: Wicheanbut Nutthawat )

In the upcoming months, gender-affirming surgery ( GAS ) will be available to LGBTQ subscribers to the “gold card” universal health program.

GAS has been a part of the program since 2018 according to National Health Security Office ( NGSO ) secretary-general Jadet Thammathataree on Saturday.

However, a physician may diagnose gender dysphoria or other related medical conditions for patients to be eligible for subsidised treatment.

” From what we have seen, facilities have asked the NGSO for reimbursements for gender-affirming procedures carried out primarily to appropriate unusual genitalia.” According to Dr. Jadet, there are about 100 like people per year.

The NHSO may invite several groups to discuss a health package intended for trans people because it is unclear who qualifies for gender-affirming surgery. It does cover the treatment process, hormone intake prior to surgery, and disease prevention.

He said, referring to the list of medications authorized for use in the scheme’s disease care,” Some hormonal treatments are not listed on the National List of Essential Medicines, so we have to check.”

While female diversity is not a disorder, Dr. Jadet responded that if gender dysmorphia is left unattended, LGBTQ people may experience psychological difficulties. This is because patients do not need to be diagnosed by psychiatrists or other medical professionals in order to get the NHSO’s gender-affirming surgery.

Without a clinical examination, gender-affirming operation is typically referred to as plastic surgery.

Patients may be available if we specify their symptoms and they meet the requirements for access to the HNSO. Authorities cannot act arbitrarily because the treatment depends on a doctor’s judgment, according to Dr. Jadet.

The deal, which will be released over the coming months, is intended to pay for all expenses associated with gender-affirming surgery, such as physical feminization procedures, breast surgeries, and vaginoplasty. Gender-affirming procedure is only available to silver card holders for free.