Health Ministry reminds emergency patients of universal coverage

 

BANGKOK, 6th November 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has ordered its hospitals to ensure they acknowledge that emergency patients are entitled to treatment at any facilities. 

Minister of Public Health Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsathayadhorn has pointed out that the “Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP)” policy, mandates that emergency patients are entitled to treatment at the nearest hospital whether private or public within 72 hours of the medical emergency beginning.

 

He added that between April and September this year, 15,243 people sought such access with only 6,757, or 44 percent matching criteria. He cited the figure as an acknowledgement that both citizens and medical facilities are still unaware of the policy's details. 

The minister has instructed all emergency healthcare facilities to disseminate informatiom about UCEP to patients, and reminded members of the public that they can call 1669 to receive a preliminary appraisal of their medical condition from their nearest medical facility.

 

The emergency patients’ protection center can also be contacted 24 hours a day by calling 02-872-1669.

 

-- nnt 2017-11-06

But who decides that it is an emergency indeed? The hospitals?

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The emergency patients’ protection center can also be contacted 24 hours a day by calling 02-872-1669

Maybe not so easy to call if you are in an emergency situation. After it might be too late.

If I recall the original criteria, basically you have to have a seriously life-threatening condition in order to qualify for care under this particular government policy.

 

Having a broken leg or getting banged up in a motorcycle crash doesn't cut it, even if the person needs to be transported by ambulance. It has to be a situation where you're in danger of dying if you don't get immediate treatment.

 

So the next time I'm in danger of dying, I'll certainly plan on calling "1669 to receive a preliminary appraisal of [my] medical condition from their nearest medical facility."  And probably get put on hold for a half hour, and then find no one on the other end of the line speaks English...

 

And by that time, of course, I'll more than likely be DEAD!

 

 

5 hours ago, Jack Mountain said:

But who decides that it is an emergency indeed? The hospitals?

you think its better the patients decide?

There would be nothing then emergencies.

3 hours ago, sweatalot said:

you think its better the patients decide?

There would be nothing then emergencies.

And vice versa ...

On 11/6/2017 at 10:48 AM, webfact said:

emergency patients are entitled to treatment at the nearest hospital whether private or public within 72 hours of the medical emergency beginning

I wouldn't call it an emergency if the hospital can leave you hanging around for up to 3 days.

On 11/6/2017 at 10:48 AM, webfact said:

are still unaware of the policy's details. 

2000 baht under the hand-switch