PUBLISHED: 14 Mar 2025 at 04: 00
The state is preparing to overhaul its healthcare financing methods, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday.
He said the government is aiming to enhance efficiency and address inequalities across the four existing healthcare service models: the universal healthcare scheme ( gold card ), the Social Security Fund ( SSF), medical benefits for civil servants and the Department of Local Administration’s ( DLA ) health services.
Mr Pichai disclosed the effects of today’s first committee conference on the government’s medical security program.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed the council on Jan 27. Mr Pichai chairs it.
The commission, comprising 22 people, convened for more than two days to examine the state of the government’s medical program, particularly in light of rising medical costs, which have been increasing at a rate reaching that of the country’s GDP.
The conversation focused on reviewing medical excellent, addressing disparities in health treatment and evaluating medical imports.
Mr Pichai emphasised that heath benefits would not be reduced. Otherwise, the government aims to optimise resources efficiency and reduce inequalities in health services.
Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, National Health Security Office ( NHSO ) secretary-general and committee member, said Thailand annually allocates 360 billion baht to provide healthcare to 64 million citizens.
He said per person spending vary for each company concept: 3, 800 baht for the platinum card plan, 18, 000 ringgit for civil workers, 4, 900 ringgit for SSF members and 12, 000 ringgit for DLA beneficiaries.
With Thailand’s ageing population and increasing healthcare needs, annual medical expenses are rising by 11 %, outpacing the country’s GDP growth rate, which averages 3 %, Dr Jadej said.
Another important issue is medical exports, which total 200 billion ringgit periodically. Over 50 % of these goods are branded drugs despite the availability of comparative generic drugs.
The commission proposed social negotiations to reduce expenses while ensuring equitable and high-quality care access.
Also, the committee introduced eight key steps to guide its work, supported by two divisions: an intellectual committees and an implementation committee.
Dr Jadej said the government spent 340 billion baht last year to provide care to individuals across the four company designs, accounting for 10 % of the total national resources.
He further revealed that plans to standardise rewards across all care methods have been discussed, adding that recent gains will be the same.