NHSO allows gold card holders in flood-affected areas to use medical services at nearest hospital

NHSO allows gold card holders in flood-affected areas to use medical services at nearest hospital

BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has allowed gold card holders in flood-affected areas to use medical services at the nearest hospital free of charge for convenience and continuous treatment.

Dr Sakchai Kanchanawatthana, NHSO Secretary-General, said in regard to the floods that occurred in 26 provinces, that Mr Anuthin Charnwirakun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, had assigned the NHSO to provide information on assistance for flood-affected people and hospitals. It is necessary to consider emergency budgets to allow the affected hospitals to handle crises.

He also instructed the NHSO to ensure continuous services for patients. For patients who require peritoneal dialysis, the NHSO has a system to deliver peritoneal dialysis solution to their home, and there is enough solution in storage.

After monitoring the situation along with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and Thailandpost Distribution, no problems with dialysis patients has been found and no service unit has reported a problem.

There is still enough solution at the patients’ houses. For patients requiring dialysis with a hemodialysis machine at a hospital, the NHSO has set up a close surveillance system. If there is a problem at any hospital, the authorities will find another hospital to assist patients.

However, in the flood-affected area, people who hold a gold card can receive medical services at the nearest hospital free of charge without having to go to the hospital where there are registered.

Hospitals that provide medical services to patients during the floods can request compensation from the NHSO in accordance with the emergency criteria. They don’t have to worry about whether they can submit information on medical fee compensation through the E-Claim system on time, because it will not be considered a delay.